Contents
A guide to
Australian
Government
payments
on behalf of the
Department of Families,
Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous
Affairs and the
Department of Education,
Employment and
Workplace Relations
1 July – 19 September 2010
Family Tax Benefit Part A
2
Family Tax Benefit Part B
4
Baby Bonus
5
Maternity Immunisation Allowance
5
Health Care Card (Family Tax Benefit)
6
Child Care Benefit (CCB)
6
Child Care Rebate (CCR)
7
Jobs Education and Training Child
Care fee assistance (JETCCFA)
7
Parenting Payment
7
Double Orphan Pension
9
Age Pension
9
Pension Bonus Scheme
10
Wife Pension
11
Widow B Pension
11
Bereavement Allowance
11
Disability Support Pension
Sickness Allowance
Mobility Allowance
12
13
13
Carer Payment
Carer Allowance
Carer Supplement
14
15
15
Austudy
ABSTUDY
Pensioner Education Supplement
Assistance for Isolated Children
(AIC) Scheme
Youth Allowance
16
16
18
Newstart Allowance
Partner Allowance
Widow Allowance
CDEP Participant Supplement
(CPS) and Supplementary
Benefits (Add-ons)
21
22
22
Special Benefit
Crisis Payment
24
24
Concession Cards, Supplements
and Allowances
25
Income and Assets Tests
Chart A
Chart B
Chart C
Work Bonus
Compensation payment
Chart D(a)
Chart D
Taxable/Non-Taxable Payments
Chart E
Rent Assistance
Chart F
18
19
23
28
28
29
29
29
30
30
31
31
The Family Assistance Office
was created by the Australian
Government to give Australian
families better access to
government services. Family
Assistance Offices are located
in Medicare Australia offices
and Centrelink Customer Service Centres across the country,
offering a range of payments to support families with their
work and family responsibilities.
n
Family Tax Benefit may be claimed during a temporary
absence from Australia.
n The base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A may continue
to be paid for up to three years of a temporary absence
from Australia. However, some recipients (certain temporary
visa holders) may not be paid at all, or only in
limited circumstances.
n More than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A can
generally only be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary
absence from Australia. However, the length of your last
return to Australia, or the type of visa you hold, may affect
your entitlement during your absence from Australia.
Note: Family Tax Benefit may be stopped if you leave Australia
without notifying the Family Assistance Office.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
Basic conditions of eligibility
Family Tax Benefit can be paid to a parent, guardian or
an approved care organisation. To be eligible the claimant
must have:
n a dependent child aged under 16, or
n a dependent child aged 16-20 years who has completed a
Year 12 or equivalent qualification, or who is undertaking
full-time education or training leading to a Year 12 or
equivalent qualification, or
n a dependent full time student aged 21 to 24, and
n have care for 35 per cent of the time or more, and*
n must have income under a certain amount (this varies
depending on number and age of children).
Note: a child or student cannot be a dependant if:
–they are receiving a pension, labour market related
payment or benefit such as Youth Allowance, or
–aged 5–15, not studying full-time and their annual
income is $13 010 or more, or
–aged 16–24 and their annual income is $13 010 or more
or they are receiving a Prescribed Education Scheme
payment such as ABSTUDY.
*If you care for a child between 14 per cent and less than
35 per cent of the time you will not be eligible to receive
Family Tax Benefit payments, but you may be eligible to
receive Rent Assistance, a Health Care Card, Remote Area
Allowance, Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate, and
the lower threshold of the Medicare Safety Net.
Basic rates and method of payment
n Family Tax Benefit can be paid either fortnightly or as a
lump sum after the end of the financial year to a bank,
credit union or building society account.
n Family Tax Benefit Part A includes a supplement which
is available only after the end of the financial year
following the lodgement of tax returns and may be used
to offset overpayments.
Note: the option of claiming and receiving annual lump sum
payments from the Australian Taxation Office ceased on 1 July 2009.
n Maximum rates of Family Tax Benefit Part A
For each child
Per fortnight
Per year
Aged under 13 years
$160.30
$4905.60
Aged 13–15 years
$208.46
$6161.20
Aged 16–17 years
$51.24
$2062.25
Aged 18–24 years
$68.74
$2518.50
In an approved care organisation
aged 0–24 years
$51.24
$1335.90
Note: payment per year figures (except for the approved care
organisation figure) include the Family Tax Benefit Part A
supplement ($726.35 per child for the 2010–11 financial year)
but the fortnightly figures do not. The supplement can only be
paid after the end of the financial year.
n To receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit
Part A for children of a previous relationship, reasonable
action to obtain child support must be taken. Blind
pensioners are exempt from the maintenance action test.
n Base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A
Residence requirements
Claimant must be living in Australia and be:
–an Australian citizen, or
–the holder of a permanent visa, or
–a New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand
passport, or
–a holder of a temporary visa subclass 070, 309, 310,
447, 451, 695, 785, 786, 787, 820 or 826, or a holder of
a Criminal Justice Stay Visa issued specifically for the
purpose of assisting in the administration of criminal
justice in relation to the offence of people trafficking,
sexual servitude or deceptive recruiting.
n Child must meet the above requirements or must be living
with the claimant.
n
For each child
Per fortnight
Per year
Aged under 18 years
$51.24
$2062.25
Aged 18–24 years
$68.74
$2518.50
Note: payment per year figures include the Family Tax Benefit
Part A supplement ($726.35 per child for the 2010–11 financial
year) but the fortnightly figures do not. The supplement can
only be paid after the end of the financial year.
2
Income test
n An income estimate does not need to be provided for
those who are single and who receive certain income
support payments from Centrelink or the Department of
Veterans' Affairs.
n Depending on your individual circumstances, your family
income may be $45 114 a year before your Family Tax
Benefit Part A payment is reduced.
n If your income is more than $45 114 a year, your payment
will reduce by 20 cents for each dollar above $45 114
until your payment reaches the base rate of Family Tax
Benefit Part A.
n Your Family Tax Benefit Part A will stay at that rate until
your income reaches $94 316 a year (plus $3796 for each
Family Tax Benefit child after the first). Family Tax Benefit
Part A will decrease by 30 cents for every dollar over that
amount until your payment reaches nil.
Note: from 1 January 2010 you may also be prohibited from
receiving your Family Tax Benefit by fortnightly instalments if
you have outstanding income tax returns.
n You and your partner must lodge an income tax return or
tell the Family Assistance Office that you are not required
to lodge an income tax return or any Family Tax Benefit
you receive will have to be repaid.
n This table shows the income limit above which only the base
rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A may be paid ($pa)
No. children
aged 0–12 yrs
Maintenance income test for Family Tax Benefit Part A
n Maintenance income-free areas per year:
–Single parent, or one of a couple
receiving maintenance
$1368.75
–Couple, each receiving maintenance
$2737.50
–For each additional child
$456.25
n Maintenance over these amounts may reduce Family Tax
Benefit Part A by 50 cents in the dollar, until the base rate
of Family Tax Benefit Part A is reached.
Assets test
n No assets test.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
may also include
Large Family Supplement
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Paid for third and each subsequent child.
Residence requirements
n As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Basic rates
n $11.06 per fortnight, or $288.35 pa.
n Paid with Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Income test
n As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
No. children 13–15 yrs
Nil
One
Two
Three
Assets test
n Large Family Supplement is not subject to an assets test.
Nil
$65 609
$86 104 $106 599
One
$59 331 $79 826 $100 321 $120 815
Two
$73 548 $94 043 $114 537 $135 032
Three
$87 765 $108 259 $128 754 $149 249
Note: depending on your circumstances, the income limit may
be higher than stated. Contact the Family Assistance Office for
a more accurate assessment.
n This table shows the income limits at which Family Tax Benefit
Part A, including the supplement, may not be paid ($pa)
Multiple Birth Allowance
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Families with at least three children born in a multiple
birth may be eligible for Multiple Birth Allowance until
the children are 16 years of age, or if at least three of the
children are in full-time study, until the end of the calendar
year in which they turn 18.
Residence requirements
n As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
No. children 18–24 yrs
No. children
aged 0–17 yrs
Nil
One
Two
Three
Basic rates
n Triplets $133.00 per fortnight, or $3467.50 pa.
n Quadruplets or more $177.24 per fortnight, or $4620.90 pa.
n Paid with Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Nil
$102 711 $114 902 $128 055
One
$101 191 $113 382 $126 534 $139 686
Two
$111 861 $125 013 $138 165 $151 317
Three
*$123 492 *$136 644 *$149 796 *$162 949
Note: income limits include the effect of the $726.35 Family Tax
Benefit Part A supplement which is available only after the end
of the financial year when annual family income can be assessed.
Families with income approaching these amounts may elect to
be paid the Family Tax Benefit at a lower rate or at the end of
the income year to reduce or avoid overpayment. Income limit is
higher if families are eligible for Multiple Birth Allowance.
*Income limit is higher than stated for two or three children
aged 13–15.
n
Income test
As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
n
Assets test
No assets test.
Rent Assistance
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Family Tax Benefit Part A customers who are receiving more
than the base rate and paying private rent.
3
Note: parents who are not eligible to receive Family Tax
Benefit Part A because they have less than 35 per cent care,
may still be eligible for the Rent Assistance component of
Family Tax Benefit Part A if:
–they have care for between 14 and less than 35 per cent
of the time, and
–pay private rent.
n Not paid to people paying rent to a government
housing authority.
type of visa you hold, may affect your entitlement while
absent from Australia.
Note: Family Tax Benefit may be stopped if you leave Australia
without notifying the Family Assistance Office.
Basic rates
n Payments are made by the Family Assistance Office either
fortnightly or as a lump sum at the end of the financial
year to a bank, credit union or building society account.
n Family Tax Benefit Part B includes a supplement which is
available only after the end of the financial year following
the lodgement of tax returns and may be used to offset
overpayments.
n Maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part B
Residence requirements
n As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Basic rates
n Normally paid with Family Tax Benefit Part A.
n Number of children, relationship status and amount of rent
paid determine rate.
Family situation
Single, one or two
children
Single, three or
more children
Couple, one or two
children
Couple, three or
more children
Maximum
payment per
fortnight
Age of youngest child
$132.86
$310.57
$150.64
$132.86
$333.71
$133.28
$196.56
$374.27
$150.64
$196.56
$397.41
Per year
Under 5 years
$136.36 $3909.15
5–15 years (or 16–18 years
$95.06 $2832.40
if a full-time student)
Note: payment per year figures include the Family Tax Benefit
Part B supplement ($354.05 per family for the 2010–11 financial
year) but the fortnightly figures do not. The supplement can
only be paid after the end of the financial year.
Note: the option of claiming and receiving annual lump
sum payments from the Australian Taxation Office ceased
on 1 July 2009.
No payment if Maximum payment
your fortnightly if your fortnightly
rent is less than
rent is more than
$133.28
Per fortnight
Income test
For the 2008–09 financial year onwards, eligibility for Family
Tax Benefit Part B is limited to families where the higher
income earner in a couple, or a single parent, has an income
of $150 000 per year or less. However, if you get an income
support payment from Centrelink or the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs this income limit will not apply.
n Single parents automatically receive the maximum amount
of Family Tax Benefit Part B if they have an income of
$150 000 per year or less.
n For two–parent families where the higher income earner has
an income of $150 000 per year or less, it is the income of the
lower earner that affects how much Family Tax Benefit Part B
the family will receive. The lower earner can have income up
to $4745 each income year and still receive the maximum rate
of Family Tax Benefit Part B. Payments are reduced by
20 cents for each dollar of income earned over $4745.
n Eligible two–parent families can still receive some Family
Tax Benefit Part B if:
–their youngest child is aged under five years and the
lower earner has income less than $24 291 per annum, or
–their youngest child is aged between five and 18 years and
the lower earner has income less than $18 907 per annum.
n You and your partner must lodge an income tax return or
tell the Family Assistance Office that you are not required
to lodge an income tax return or any Family Tax Benefit
you receive will have to be repaid.
Note: from 1 January 2010 you may also be prohibited from
receiving your Family Tax Benefit by fortnightly instalments if
you have outstanding income tax returns.
Income test
n As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
n
Assets test
n No assets test.
Other payments
n Recipients of Family Tax Benefit Part A may be eligible for
other payments delivered by Centrelink. These include:
–Parenting Payment (see page 7)
–Double Orphan Pension (see page 9)
–Carer Allowance (see page 15).
Family Tax Benefit Part B
Basic conditions of eligibility
n ives extra assistance to single parent families and to twoparent families with one main income where one parent
chooses to stay at home or to balance some paid work with
caring for their children.
n amily must have a dependent child aged under 16, or
n A qualifying dependent full-time student up to the age of 18
(who does not get Youth Allowance or a similar payment), and
n Have care for 35 per cent of the time or more, and
n Have income under a certain amount.
Residence requirements
n As for Family Tax Benefit Part A with the exception that
Family Tax Benefit Part B can generally only be paid for
up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia.
However, the length of your last return to Australia, or the
4
Assets test
n No assets test.
Maternity Immunisation Allowance
Basic conditions of eligibility
n From 1 January 2009 Maternity Immunisation Allowance is
generally paid as two separate amounts.
n The first amount will be paid if your child is fully
immunised between 18–24 months of age.
n The second amount will be paid if your child is fully
immunised between four and five years of age.
n If you received Baby Bonus for your child, the Family
Assistance Office will automatically check your eligibility for
Maternity Immunisation Allowance. In most cases, parents
will be able to lodge one claim form shortly after their child’s
birth. This same claim form may be used to process both
payments once your child meets eligibility for each payment.
n If you were not paid Baby Bonus, you will need to claim
Maternity Immunisation Allowance through the Family
Assistance Office on or before the child’s fifth birthday.
n Maternity Immunisation Allowance may be paid if an
approved immunisation exemption has been obtained for
the child.
Note: you can claim Maternity Immunisation Allowance for
children who are adopted from outside Australia and who enter
Australia before they are 16 years of age. If your child was
adopted from outside Australia you will need to claim on or
before your child’s fifth birthday, or within two years of their
arrival in Australia (whichever is later). If your child arrives in
Australia after their third birthday, Maternity Immunisation
Allowance is payable as a single payment if your child is fully
immunised between 18 months and two years after arrival.
Baby Bonus
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Paid to families following the birth (including stillbirth) or
adoption of a child, where the eligibility requirements for
Family Tax Benefit for the child (disregarding the Family Tax
Benefit income tests) are met within 26 weeks of a child’s
birth, or in the case of adoption, within 26 weeks of the
child being entrusted into the claimant’s care.
n Parents are required to formally register the birth of their
child as a condition of receiving the Baby Bonus. This
requirement does not apply to parents whose child is
stillborn, adopted or born outside Australia.
n Payable to:
–a parent of the child, or
–families who have care of a newborn child within
26 weeks of the child's birth, and are likely to continue
to have care of the child for no less than 26 weeks, or
–families who have a child entrusted to their care for
adoption before the child is 16 years of age.
n The claim must be made within 52 weeks of the child’s
birth, or in the case of adoption, within 52 weeks of the
child coming into the person’s care.
n
Residence requirements
As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Basic rates
n Baby Bonus is a payment of $5294 per eligible child and is
paid in 13 fortnightly instalments.
n The payment is made into a bank, credit union account or
building society account. Baby Bonus cannot be claimed
through the tax system for births after 1 July 2004.
n For a multiple birth, the Baby Bonus is paid for each
eligible child, for example, $15 882 is paid for triplets.
n
Residence requirements
As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Basic rates
n The full amount of Maternity Immunisation Allowance is
$251.00.
n The first amount of $125.50 will be paid when the child is
immunised between 18 months and 24 months of age.
n The second amount may be slightly higher than $125.50,
due to indexation and will be paid when the child is
immunised between four and five years of age.
n Payment is made into bank, credit union or building society
account.
Income test
n Baby Bonus is an income tested payment which is payable
to families whose estimate of combined adjusted taxable
income is $75 000 or less in the six months following the
birth of a child or the child's entry into care.
Assets test
n No assets test.
5
n
Income test
No income test.
n
Assets test
No assets test.
n
Grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren
do not have to meet the work, training, study test to receive up
to 50 hours of CCB per child per week of approved care.
n Grandparents who are the primary carers of their
grandchildren and who are receiving an income support
payment from Centrelink or from the Department of
Veterans' Affairs are eligible for a special rate of CCB, called
Grandparent CCB (GCCB), to cover the full cost of approved
care for up to 50 hours per child per week.
n For approved care except Occasional Care, CCB can be
paid for up to 42 absences per child per financial year for
any reason with no evidence required. CCB is also paid for
additional absences above the 42 days for certain reasons
with supporting documentation requirements. Approved
child care services can provide parents with absence and
additional absence pollicy details.
n For Occasional Care, CCB is paid for an absence if the child
care has been booked and paid for at the Occasional Care
service. There is no limit on the number of absences.
n Parents can access their child’s absence record on their
view Child Care Attendence online statement available at
www.familyassist.gov.au under Online Services/View child
care details and payments.
Health Care Card (Family Tax Benefit)
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Receiving the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A
by instalment.
n
Residence requirements
As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
n
Basic rates
Card issued every six months.
n
Income test
As for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
n
Assets test
No assets test.
Child Care Benefit (CCB)
Basic conditions of eligibility
The child must attend approved or registered child care.
n The claimant or partner must be liable for the payment of
the child care fees.
n The claimant and their partner must meet the income test.
n
n
Maximum rate—approved care
n Up to $3.68 per hour for a non-school child ($184.00 for a
50 hour week).
Note: depending on your circumstances (e.g. what type of
child care service you use and the number of hours), you may
be entitled to a different rate than stated. Contact the Family
Assistance Office for a more accurate assessment.
n Rates for school children are 85 per cent of the non-school
child rates.
n A higher percentage applies to non-school children
attending a long day care service for less than 38 hours a
week, and
n A higher standard hourly rate applies to children attending
family day care and in home care services for less than 37.5
hours a week, and
n A higher non-standard hourly rate applies to children
attending family day care and in home care services for any
hours outside the service’s standard hours.
n Can be paid directly to child care services to reduce the
fees charged. Fee reductions are based on an estimate of
adjusted taxable income, with reconciliation after the end
of the income (financial) year.
n Alternatively, payment can be made as a lump sum to
parents after the end of the income (financial) year.
Residence requirements
The claimant or partner must be living permanently in
Australia and be:
–an Australian citizen, or
–the holder of a permanent visa, or
–a New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand
passport, or
–a holder of a certain temporary visa (e.g. Spouse/Partner
Provisional and 851 Resolution of Status (Permanent)
(Class CD) and similar subclass visas), or
–a student from outside Australia sponsored by the
Australian Government, or
–a non-resident experiencing hardship or
special circumstances.
Other factors affecting eligibility
Children aged under seven must have age–appropriate
immunisation, be on a catch-up schedule or have an exemption.
n For approved care, all eligible families can get CCB for up
to 24 hours care per child per week if they are eligible for
Child Care Benefit.
n For approved care, both parents, or the single parent,
must participate in activities that meet the work, training,
study test for at least 15 hours per week (or 30 hours per
fortnight), or have an approved exemption to be eligible
for more than 24 hours per child and up to 50 hours of
CCB per child per week.
n For registered care, both parents, or the single parent, must
participate in activities that meet the work, training, study
test at sometime during the week child care is used to
receive up to 50 hours CCB.
n
n
n
n
6
Rate—registered care
Registered care rate of $0.615 per hour (up to $30.75 per
week) for incomes over an upper threshold.
Rates for school children are 85 per cent of the non-school
child rates.
Paid by direct credit on presentation of receipts within
12 months from when the care was provided.
Income test—approved care
n Maximum rate payable for actual annual family income
under $38 763 or families on income support.
n Families with income above the income limits will not receive
any CCB. If families’ CCB entitlement is zero due to income, they
may still be eligible for the Child Care Rebate.
n CCB is not payable over the following income limits:
Number of children in care
Income limits
One
Two
Three or more
$134 443
$139 333
$157 329 + $29 721
for each child after the third
n
Income test—registered care
No income test.
n
Assets test
No assets test.
n
n
n
n
Income test
No income test.
n
Assets test
No assets test.
Jobs Education and Training
Child Care fee assistance (JETCCFA)
Child Care Rebate (CCR)
Basic conditions of eligibility
The child must have attended approved child care.
n The claimant must have been eligible for Child Care
Benefit (CCB) (entitled to a rate of zero or more.*)
n The claimant and partner must have passed the CCB work,
training, study test (for the purpose of the rebate).
*Note: there is no income test for the CCR. If the claimant
is eligible for CCB but their CCB entitlement is zero due to
income, they are still eligible for the CCR.
n
Provides extra help with the cost of approved child care
to eligible parents undertaking activities such as work,
JobSearch, training or study as part of an Employment
Pathway Plan, to help them to re-enter the workforce.
n Pays some of the ‘gap fee’—the difference between the
total child care fee and the amount covered by CCB up to
a person’s eligible hours limit, with all parents making a
contribution of 10 cents per JETCCFA hour per child plus the
cost for any additional hours over their eligible hours limit.
Note: you can use the Centrelink/Family Assistance/Child
Support/Child Care Estimator online to work out your
possible entitlement to Family Tax Benefit and/or Child Care
Benefit and Child Care Rebate for approved child care. Visit
www.familyassist.gov.au or www.mychild.gov.au for more
information.
n
n
Residence and other requirements
As for Child Care Benefit.
Other factors affecting eligibility
Families get the Child Care Rebate if they are eligible for Child
Care Benefit (entitled at a rate of zero or more) and using an
approved child care service, and:
n They and their partner are working, looking for work,
training and studying or doing voluntary work to improve
their work skills, or
n They or their partner have a disability, or
n They or their partner get Carer Allowance or Carer Payment
for a child/adult (Carer Allowance and Carer Payment are
Centrelink payments), or
n They or their partner are an eligible grandparent with a
primary care of a grandchild using approved child care.
Note: families only have to participate in work related
commitments at some time during a week or have an
exemption. No minimum number of hours is required.
n
Out-of-pocket expenses means the amount paid for child
care after the CCB and any JETCCFA (see below) amounts
are taken out.
This payment will be made by the Family Assistance Office
at the end of each quarter in which the child care costs
were incurred. Quarterly payments will be paid once the
Family Assistance Office has received child care usage/
attendance details from your approved child care service/s.
Quarterly payments will be paid to you automatically if
you received your Child Care Benefit as reduced fees, at the
zero rate, or more than the zero rate.
Note: CCR may only be payable for absences from child
care that attract CCB.
Additional payments delivered by Centrelink:
Parenting Payment
n
Basic rates
50 per cent of out-of-pocket child care expenses for
approved care up to the annual cap. From 1 July 2010, the
CCR annual cap will be $7,500 per child per year, subject to
the passage of legislation.
n
7
Basic conditions of eligibility
Must have qualifying child aged under six if you are
partnered, aged under eight if you are single or aged under
16 if you have been in receipt of Parenting Payment prior
to 1 July 2006.
Can be paid to only one member of a couple.
When youngest qualifying child is aged six or over,
must enter into an Employment Pathway Plan allowing
participation in a broad range of activities.
Note: customers who were granted Parenting Payment before
1 July 2006 will (subject to continuing eligibility) remain on
this payment until their youngest child turns 16 and will have
participation requirements when their youngest child turns seven.
Income test
Single parents
n For maximum payment, the customer’s income must be
no more than $170.60 per fortnight, plus $24.60 for each
additional child. Income over this amount reduces the rate
of payment by 40 cents in the dollar.
n A part payment may be available if the customer’s income
is less than $1673.85 per fortnight, plus $24.60 for each
additional child.
Partnered parents
Partner is not a pensioner
n For maximum payment, the customer’s income must be no
more than $62 per fortnight and the partner’s income must
be no more than $790 per fortnight.
n Customer’s income reduces the rate by 50 cents for each
dollar between $62 and $250, and by 60 cents for each
dollar above $250 per fortnight.
n Partner’s income up to $790 per fortnight has no effect.
Income over this amount reduces the rate by 60 cents for
each extra dollar.
n A part payment may be available provided all of the
following conditions are met:
– customer’s income must be less than $789.50 per fortnight,
and
–partner’s income must be less than $1486.17 per fortnight,
and
–the combined income of the couple must be less than
$1579.50 per fortnight.
n These conditions are a guide only. Some customers who
meet these conditions will not be eligible for a payment.
Eligibility can only be confirmed following a full assessment
of a couple's income under the relevant income test.
n Different limits apply if the partner receives Youth
Allowance or Austudy payment.
Partner is a pensioner
n For maximum payment, the couple’s combined income
must be no more than $124 per fortnight.
n Couple’s combined income reduces the rate by 25 cents for
each dollar between $124 and $500, and by 30 cents for
each dollar above $500 per fortnight.
n For part payment, the couple’s combined income must be
less than $1579.00 per fortnight.
n
n
n
n
Residence requirements
Must be in Australia as an Australian resident for a period
of, or periods totalling, 104 weeks, or arrived in Australia
as a refugee, or became a single parent while an Australian
resident (for Parenting Payment Single only), or has a
qualifying residence exemption.
Can be paid for up to 13 weeks for a temporary absence from
Australia or longer if the person has to travel to study or
train as part of their full time Australian course or Australian
Apprenticeship. The length of your last return to Australia may
affect your entitlement during the absence from Australia.
Different rules apply if a person is covered by an
International Social Security Agreement.
Basic rates
n Single parents: up to $601.30* per fortnight.
*A Pension Supplement (see page 26) amount is included
in this fortnightly rate. For those under age pension age, it
is currently $19.90. A higher Pension Supplement amount
may be paid if the person has reached age pension age.
n Partnered parents: up to $417.70 per fortnight (up to
$500.70 per fortnight if separated by illness or respite care
couple, or partner in prison).
n A Pension Supplement (page 26) is paid to recipients of
Parenting Payment (Partnered) who have reached age
pension age.
n Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid to Parenting Payment
(Single) customers who are under age pension age. It
may be paid to Parenting Payment (Partnered) customers
(page 27).
n Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.
n Pensioner Education Supplement may be paid to Parenting
Payment (Single) customers.
n Mobility Allowance may be paid to Parenting Payment
customers.
n Training Supplement of $41.60 per fortnight may be
payable for the duration of an approved course of study or
training commencing prior to 30 June 2011.
n Job seekers undertaking Work for the Dole (including Full-Time
Work for the Dole and Drought Force), Green Corps activities
and the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program may be
eligible for an additional supplement of $20.80 per fortnight.
n Job seekers undertaking National Green Jobs Corps
activities may be eligible for an additional supplement of
$41.60 per fortnight.
n
n
n
n
Rent Assistance
Normally paid with Family Tax Benefit Part A.
8
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Hardship provisions may apply.
Double Orphan Pension (DOP)
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Age Pension (AP)
Basic conditions of eligibility
Child(ren) aged under 16 in care and control of customer.
Full-time dependent students aged 16–21 who do not
receive Youth Allowance.
Both the child(ren)’s parents have died, or
One parent has died and the whereabouts of the other is
unknown to the claimant, or
One parent has died and the other parent is in prison for
not less than 10 years or held on remand and charged with
an offence that may be punishable by imprisonment for a
term of at least 10 years, or
One parent has died and the other parent is a patient of a
psychiatric hospital or nursing home indefinitely.
Refugee children under certain circumstances.
Payable to a guardian or approved care organisation.
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Men born before 1 July 1952 are eligible at age 65.
n Women born before 31 December 1945 have reached the
qualifying age for Age Pension.
n For women born between 1 January 1946 and 1 July 1952,
see table below.
Women born between
1 January 1946 and 30 June 1947
1 July 1947 and 31 December 1948
1 January 1949 and 30 June 1952
People born between
n
Assets test
No assets test.
Eligible for Age Pension
at age
1 July 1952 and 31 December 1953
1 January 1954 and 30 June 1955
1 July 1955 and 31 December 1956
1 January 1957 and later
651/2
66
661/2
67
Residence requirements
n Must be an Australian resident and in Australia on the day
the claim is lodged, unless claiming under an International
Social Security Agreement.
n Must have been an Australian resident for a total of at
least 10 years, at least five of these years in one continuous
period, or
n Residence in certain countries with which Australia has an
International Social Security Agreement may count towards
Australian residence, or
n Have a qualifying residence exemption (arrived as refugee
or under a special program), or
n A woman who is widowed in Australia, when both she and
her late partner were Australian residents and who has
104 weeks residence immediately prior to claim, or
n Person was in receipt of Widow B Pension, Widow
Allowance or Partner Allowance immediately before turning
age pension age.
n Can generally be paid for the total period of absence from
Australia (some exemptions may apply), however, after
26 weeks the rate may change.
Note: special rules in the case of travel to New Zealand, or if
covered by an International Social Security Agreement.
Basic rates
The base rate of DOP is $53.50 per fortnight.
An additional component of DOP may be payable. The
additional component will be equal to the difference
between the carer’s entitlement to Family Tax Benefit for
the young person and the Family Allowance/Family Tax
Benefit received for the young person immediately before
they became a double orphan. The additional component
will not be payable to approved care organisations.
n
64
641/2
65
For both men and women born on or after 1 July 1952 see
table below:
Residence requirements
Claimant must be living in Australia and be:
–an Australian citizen, or
–the holder of a permanent visa, or
–a New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand
passport, or
– holder of a certain temporary visa, subclass 070, 309, 310,
447, 451, 695, 785, 786, 787, 820 or 826, or the holder
of a Criminal Justice Stay Visa issued specifically for the
purpose of assisting in the administration of criminal
justice in relation to the offence of people trafficking,
sexual servitude or deceptive recruiting.
May be paid for up to three years of a temporary absence
from Australia. However, some recipients (certain temporary
visa holders) may not be paid at all, or only in strictly
limited circumstances.
Different rules apply if a person is covered by an
International Social Security Agreement.
Can be claimed during a temporary absence from Australia.
Income test
No income test.
Eligible for Age Pension
at age
Basic rates
Status
Pension rate per fortnight
Single
$644.20*
Couple
$485.60* each
*These amounts exclude the Pension Supplement which
pensioners may receive as an additional payment to the base
pension. See Pension Supplement (page 26).
9
n
n
n
n
n
Paid fortnightly to bank, credit union or building
society account.
If a couple is separated because of illness, they may each
be able to be paid at the single pension rate. The combined
income and assets of the couple are used to work out
their rates.
The single rate may be payable to one member of a couple
if partner not receiving payment is imprisoned or in a
psychiatric hospital.
Partnered rate payable to one member of a couple if
partner is not receiving a pension, benefit or allowance.
Not eligible for Education Entry Payment or Pensioner
Education Supplement.
Pension Bonus Scheme
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Allows people who work and defer claiming Age Pension to
earn a one-off tax-free lump sum bonus.
n The Pension Bonus Scheme is closed to new entrants who
did not qualify for Age Pension before 20 September 2009.
n Existing members may remain in the scheme and continue
to accrue entitlements if they or their member partner
continue to work 960 hours per year.
n Must register before a bonus can be accrued. Earliest
registration is the date when age and residence
requirements for Age Pension are met.
n Members not working who rely on their non-member
partner’s employment to remain in the scheme are no
longer able to do so. Bonus will generally need to be
claimed within 13 weeks of 20 September 2009.
n Maximum bonus accrual period is five years.
n Cannot accrue bonus after age 75.
n Must meet work test of at least 960 hours of paid work
each year for a minimum of 12 months from registration.
n Not paid if receiving income support (except Carer
Payment) after meeting age and residency requirements for
Age Pension rates (page 9).
n Can be affected by ‘gifting rules’ if more than $10 000 is
given away in a single year or more than $30 000 over a
five-year period.
Pension Reform Transitional Arrangements
Pensioners receiving payments at 19 September 2009 did not
receive a payment reduction because of the changes made
to the pension system from 20 September 2009 (including
changes to the income test taper rate, the Work Bonus
and removal of higher income test free area for pensioners
with dependent children). Some pensioners will be paid a
transitional rate until the new rules provide an equal or
better outcome for them. The transitional rate is based on
the income test rules and payment rates (indexed to CPI) that
applied before 20 September 2009. Please contact Centrelink
for more information.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
Income test
See Chart C (page 29).
No income test on the basic rate for age pensioners who
are permanently blind; however, these pensioners may be
affected by the special arrangements for compensation
payments (see page 29 for more information).
Basic rates
n Members claim bonus when they eventually claim
Age Pension.
n Amount of bonus is based on how long a person defers
pension from the date of registration, and rate of pension
payable at time of claim.
Rate if maximum pension payable:
Years (bonus periods)
Single
Partnered (each)
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Hardship provisions may apply.
No assets test on the basic rate for age pensioners who
are permanently blind; however, these pensioners may be
affected by the special arrangements for compensation
payments (see page 29 for more information).
1
2
3
4
5
$1 623.10
$6 492.20
$14 607.50
$25 969.00
$40 576.50
$1 227.40
$4 909.50
$11 046.40
$19 638.00
$30 684.40
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment
n Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment (PBBP) commenced
on 1 January 2008. It is a payment that may be made to
the surviving partner of a deceased member of the Pension
Bonus Scheme who did not claim their bonus before death.
It has the same maximum rates as the Pension Bonus
payment. For further information contact Centrelink on
13 2300.
10
Wife Pension
n
n
n
n
n
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Since 1 July 1995, no new grants of Wife Pension. Current
recipients (wife of an Age or Disability Support Pensioner)
may continue to receive this pension.
Basic rates
See Age Pension including Pension Supplement (page 9).
Pensioners receiving payments at 19 September 2009 may
be paid under ‘transitional arrangements’ (page 10).
Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.
Pensioner Education Supplement may be paid to a Wife
Pension recipient (if their partner is receiving Disability
Support Pension).
n
n
Income test
See Chart C (page 29).
n
n
n
n
n
n
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Hardship provisions may apply.
Bereavement Allowance
n
n
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Person whose partner has died.
Has no qualifying child for Parenting Payment (Single).
Living with partner immediately before death.
Paid for a maximum of 14 weeks from date of death of
partner (can be extended if a widow is pregnant).
Residence requirements
n Must be an Australian resident.
n Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as an Australian resident or has a qualifying
residence exemption.
n Immediately eligible if both the person and the partner
were Australian residents when the partner died.
n May be paid outside Australia for the period of the payment.
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Hardship provisions may apply.
Basic rates
n See Age Pension including Pension Supplement (page 9).
n Pensioners receiving payments at 19 September 2009 may
be paid under ‘transitional arrangements’ (page 10).
n Not eligible for Education Entry Payment.
Widow B Pension
n
Income test
See Chart C (page 29).
Residence requirements
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
outside Australia or longer if the person has to travel to
study or train as part of their full-time Australian course or
Australian Apprenticeship. Can be paid overseas indefinitely
in some cases. Different rules apply if the person is covered
by an International Social Security Agreement.
n
n
n
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
n
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
Basic conditions of eligibility
Since 20 March 1997, no new grants of Widow B Pension.
Current recipients may continue to receive this payment.
Residence requirements
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
outside Australia or longer if the person has to travel to
study or train as part of their full-time Australian course or
Australian Apprenticeship. Can be paid overseas indefinitely
in some cases. Different rules apply if the person is covered
by an International Social Security Agreement.
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
n
Income test
See Chart C (page 29).
n
n
Basic rates
See Age Pension including Pension Supplement (page 9).
Pensioners receiving payments at 19 September 2009 may
be paid under ‘transitional arrangements’ (page 10).
11
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Single, aged 18–20
at home $354.80 pf
independent $483.70 pf
Member of a couple
aged under 18 $483.70 pf
aged 18–20
$483.70 pf
n DSP is not subject to parents’ income and assets.
n Youth Disability Supplement of $106.70 per fortnight is
payable to DSP customers aged under 21 with no children
and is included in the above rates.
n Pharmaceutical Allowance (page 27) is paid to DSP
customers aged under 21 without children.
n Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.
n Pensioner Education Supplement may be paid to Disability
Support Pension customers.
Disability Support Pension (DSP)
n
n
n
n
n
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Aged 16 or over but under age pension age at date of
claim lodgement, and
Must have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment
assessed at 20 points or more under impairment tables, and
Inability to work for 15 hours or more per week for the
next two years as a result of impairment, and
Inability, as a result of impairment, to undertake a training
activity which would equip the person for work within the
next two years, or
Be permanently blind.
Please contact Centrelink for more information.
Residence requirements
n Must be an Australian resident and in Australia on the day
the claim is lodged, unless claiming under an International
Social Security Agreement.
n Must have been an Australian resident for a total of at
least 10 years, at least five of those years in one continuous
period, or
n Residence in certain countries with which Australia has an
International Social Security Agreement may count towards
Australian residence, or
n Have a qualifying residence exemption (arrived as refugee
or under special humanitarian program), or
n Immediately eligible if inability to work occurred while an
Australian resident, or
n Was a dependent child of an Australian resident at the time
the continuing inability to work commenced.
n May be paid for up to 13 weeks of an absence outside
Australia or longer if the person has to travel to study
or train as part of their full-time Australian course or
Australian Apprenticeship. Can be paid indefinitely in some
cases if terminally ill and leaving Australia permanently.
Different rules apply if the person is covered by an
International Social Security Agreement.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Basic rates
n See Age Pension rates including Pension Supplement and
transitional arrangements (page 10), except if aged under
21 without children.
n Pensioners receiving payments since 19 September 2009
may be paid under transitional arrangements (page 10).
Special savings provisions may apply to DSP for people
under 21 without children, rather than transitional
arrangements. Please contact Centrelink for more
information.
n Disability Support Pension under 21, no children (includes
Youth Disability Supplement).
Single, aged under 18
at home $313.00 pf
independent $483.70 pf
n
12
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
Rent Assistance not payable to single persons aged
under 21, without dependants, who live with their parents
or guardian.
Income test
See Chart C (page 29).
For those aged under 21 with no children see Chart C (b)
(page 29).
No income test on the basic rate for disability support
pensioners who are permanently blind; however, these
pensioners may be affected by the special arrangements
for compensation payments (see page 29 for more
information).
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
No assets test on the basic rate for disability support
pensioners who are permanently blind; however, these
pensioners may be affected by the special arrangements
for compensation payments (see page 29 for more
information).
Hardship provisions may apply.
–be participating in a Disability Employment Services—
Disability Management Service.
n To qualify for the higher rate of MOB:
–be receiving Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance,
Disability Support Pension or Parenting Payment, and
–be working 15 hours per week at or above the relevant
minimum wage, or
–be looking for work of 15 hours or more per week at
or above the relevant minimum wage under an
agreement with an Employment Services Provider, or
–be working 15 hours or more under the Supported
Wages System.
Sickness Allowance (SA)
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Aged 21 or over but under age pension age, and
Temporarily incapacitated for work (or full-time study and
on Austudy or ABSTUDY).
Must have a job or full-time study to which they
can return.
A medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner
must be supplied.
Not payable to Youth Allowance recipients who become
incapacitated for study.
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident.
Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as an Australian resident (some exemptions
may apply).
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
from Australia in certain limited circumstances.
n
Basic rates
Single: see Newstart Allowance (page 21).
Partnered: see Newstart Allowance (page 21).
Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid (page 27).
n
Rent Assistance
See Newstart Allowance (page 21).
n
Income test
See Chart D (page 30).
n
Assets test
See Newstart Allowance (page 21).
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Basic rates
$80.50 per fortnight.
Paid fortnightly to bank, credit union or building
society account.
A lump sum advance equal to six months allowance may be
paid once a year.
Higher rates
$112.70 per fortnight.
n Paid fortnightly to bank or credit union account.
n A lump sum advance equal to six months allowance may be
paid once a year.
n
n
Mobility Allowance (MOB)
n
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident.
Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in Australia
as an Australian resident (some exemptions may apply).
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of temporary absence
from Australia.
Basic conditions of eligibility
Paid to a person with a disability aged 16 or over
who cannot use public transport without substantial
assistance, and
Is required to travel to and from their home in order to
undertake work (including volunteer work), training or job
seeking, and
Not be in prison or undergoing psychiatric confinement in
connection with a conviction.
To qualify for a standard rate of MOB:
–be undertaking any combination of paid or voluntary work
or vocational training for 32 hours every four weeks, or
–be undertaking job search activities under an agreement
between Centrelink and an Employment Services Provider
funded by the Department of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations, or
–be receiving Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance or
Austudy, and satisfy the activity test associated with
these payments, or
n
n
13
Rent Assistance
Not payable.
Income test
No income test. Mobility Allowance is not payable if
you have been provided with a car from Department of
Veterans’ Affairs under the Vehicle Assistance Scheme.
A person who is supplied with a GST-free car under the
Goods and Services Act is not prevented from receiving
Mobility Allowance.
Assets test
No assets test.
Basic rates
n See Age Pension including Pension Supplement (page 9).
n Pensioners receiving payments at 19 September 2009 may
be paid under ‘transitional arrangements’ (page 10).
n Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.
n Pensioner Education Supplement may be payable.
Carer Payment
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Person providing constant care for:
–a person who has a physical, intellectual or psychiatric
disability, or
–an adult who has a dependent child in their care. If the
dependent child is aged six years or over, a person must
qualify for and receive Carer Allowance for that child, or
–a child with a severe disability, or a severe medical
condition, or
–two or more children with disability, or medical
condition, or
–a disabled adult and one or more children each with a
disability or medical condition, or
–a child with severe disability or severe medical condition
on a short-term or episodic basis, or
–a profoundly disabled child or a disabled child
(saved pre 1 July 2009).
n Parents exchanging care of two or more children each with
severe disability or severe medical condition or disability or
medical condition, under a parenting plan.
n A person who receives Carer Payment for a child may
automatically be entitled to Carer Allowance.
n Cannot receive Carer Payment as well as another income
support payments, such as Age Pension, Newstart
Allowance or Parenting Payment. However, the person may
be entitled to other payments such as Carer Allowance or
Family Tax Benefit.
n The person being cared for must:
–meet the care receiver income and assets tests, or
–be assessed as having a high level of physical, intellectual
or psychiatric disability under the Adult Disability
Assessment Tool, and
–be receiving an income support payment from Centrelink
or a Service Pension, or
–not be receiving an income support payment only due to
not meeting residence requirements.
n The carer is not required to live with or adjacent to the
person being cared for, but must be providing constant care
in a private home of the care receiver.
n May be paid for up to 63 days in a calendar year during a
period of respite, either in Australia or outside Australia.
n
n
n
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
n
Income test
Carer: see Chart C (page 29).
n
n
n
n
n
Residence requirements
Claimant and care receiver must be Australian residents.
Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as an Australian resident (some exemptions may
apply).
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
from Australia if care is still being provided or longer if the
person has to travel to study or train as part of their fulltime Australian course or Australian Apprenticeship.
14
Assets test
Carer: homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Carer: non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Hardship provisions may apply.
Carer Payment—Care Receivers Income and
Assets Limits
Care receiver income test for Carer Payment:
–the income limit for a care receiver (and relevant family
members) to qualify their carer for Carer Payment is
$94 043.
Care receiver assets test for Carer Payment:
–the assets limit for a care receiver (and relevant family
members) to qualify their carer for Carer Payment is
$580 000
–if the care receiver’s assets exceed the assets limit, the
carer may still qualify for Carer Payment if the care
receiver passes an income test and the liquid assets test
–current liquid assets limits for care receivers are $6000
(single) and $10 000 (partnered).
Carer Allowance (CA)
Carer Supplement
Basic conditions of eligibility
An income supplement paid to someone who provides daily
care and attention at home to a person with a disability or
medical condition who is:
n aged 16 or over where the disability causes a substantial
functional impairment, or
n a dependent child aged under 16:
–for a Health Care Card only, the child must require
‘substantially more care and attention’ compared to a
child of the same age without a disability
–for Carer Allowance and a Health Care Card, the child’s
disability must appear on a list of disabilities/conditions
that result in automatic qualification or must cause
the child to function below the standard for his or her
age level
n the child and the carer must live together in the same
private residence or, if the child is hospitalised at the time
of the claim, there must be an intention for the child to
return home to live with the carer.
Note: a person who receives Carer Payment for a child may
automatically be entitled to Carer Allowance.
n
n
n
n
Rent Assistance
Not payable.
n
Income test
No income test.
n
Assets test
No assets test.
n
Residence requirements
n Claimant and care receiver must be Australian residents.
n
Residence requirements
Claimant and care receiver must be Australian residents.
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
from Australia if care is being provided.
Basic rates
$106.70 per fortnight.
$1000 Child Disability Assistance payment to be paid
annually to a person receiving Carer Allowance on 1 July
for each child being cared for under 16 years of age.
May be paid in addition to an income support payment.
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
n An annual, non-indexed, lump sum payment paid every
July to:
−Carer Allowance
−Carer Payment
−Wife Pension with Carer Allowance
−DVA Carer Service Pension
−DVA Partner Service Pension with Carer Allowance
n Paid per care receiver for Carer Allowance recipients. Paid
per carer for Carer Payment recipients.
n If a recipient is in receipt of both Carer Allowance and
Carer Payment, Wife Pension, DVA Partner Service Pension
or a DVA Carer Service pension, they will qualify for two or
more Carer Supplement payments.
n
Basic rates
Up to $600 Carer Supplement will be paid to recipients
of Carer Allowance for each person being cared for. An
additional $600 Carer Supplement will also be paid where a
recipient is also in receipt of one of the above Centrelink or
Service Pensions.
Income test
No income test.
Assets test
n No assets test.
15
n
n
n
n
Austudy
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
To qualify for Austudy, a person must be undertaking
qualifying study or a full-time Australian Apprenticeship
and be aged 25 or over.
n
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident.
Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as an Australian resident (some exemptions
may apply).
May be paid for 13 weeks of a temporary absence or longer
if the person has to travel to study or train as part of their
full-time Australian course or Australian Apprenticeship.
n
n
n
n
n
Basic rates
n Single
$377.00 pf
n Single, with children
$493.90 pf
n Partnered, no children
$377.00 pf
n Partnered, with children
$413.90 pf
n Special rate for long-term income support
recipients commencing full-time study or Australian
Apprenticeship:
–Single
$457.90 pf
–Partnered, no children $413.90 pf
n Advance of Austudy payment of up to $500 may be available.
n Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid (page 27).
n Pension Supplement (page 26) is paid if recipient has
reached age pension age.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Income Bank
Allows Austudy students to accumulate up to $6000 of any
unused portion of their fortnightly income-free area.
Allows Austudy Australian Apprentices to accumulate up
to $1000 of any unused portion of their fortnightly
income-free area.
Income Bank credits can be used to offset any income
earned that exceeds the fortnightly income-free area.
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Payment may be deferred when liquid assets exceed $5500
(single) or $11 000 (couple or single with dependants).
Hardship provisions may apply to the assets test.
ABSTUDY
n
Student Start-up Scholarships
Austudy recipients undertaking a higher education or
preparatory course at a higher education institution
will receive the Student Start-up Scholarship, paid in a
maximum of two half-yearly instalments of $650 (a total
of $1300 in 2010).
Students already receiving a Commonwealth Education
Costs Scholarships (CECS) or Indigenous CECS are not
eligible to receive a Student Start-up Scholarship.
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Person is:
–of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent according
to the ABSTUDY definition of Aboriginality, and
–studying an approved course at an approved education
institution, or
–undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship, and
–not receiving other government assistance for study.
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian citizen and normally live in Australia.
Basic rates
n Living Allowance:
Standard
Aged under 16 years tertiary
Aged under 16 years in State Care and
Foster Care Allowance paid
Aged 16–17 years in State Care and
Foster Care Allowance paid
Aged 18–20 years in State Care and
Foster Care Allowance paid
Aged under 16 years in State Care and
no Foster Care Allowance paid
Aged 16–20 years in State Care and
no Foster Care Allowance paid
Aged 16–17 years
Aged 18–20 years
Aged 21 years or over*
Away from home
Aged under 16 years
Aged 16–20 years
Aged 21 years or over*
Fares allowance
Only paid to tertiary students who have to live away from
their permanent home for study.
Reimbursement of the cost of cheapest practicable form of
public transport, regardless of transport actually used.
Not payable for daily travel.
Rent Assistance
n Rent Assistance is shared when both members of a couple,
without children, are receiving an allowance or benefit.
n
Income above the income-free area reduces payment
(unless credit in Income Bank).
See Chart D(a) (page 30).
Personal income test
Gross income is assessed.
The first $6762 of a merit and equity based scholarship is
exempt from means-testing.
The income-free area is $236 per fortnight.
16
$28.40 pf
$206.30 pf
$206.30 pf
$248.10 pf
$377.00 pf
$377.00 pf
$206.30 pf
$248.10 pf
$462.80 pf
$206.30 pf
$377.00 pf
$462.80 pf
Independent–single, no children
Aged under 16 years
Aged 16–20 years
Aged under 16 years at home
Aged 16–17 years at home
Aged 18–20 years at home
Aged 21 years or over*
Single, aged 60 years or over*
(includes Pharmaceutical Allowance)
Independent–partnered, no children
Aged under 16 years
Aged 16–20 years
Aged 21 years or over*
Independent–single with dependent child
Aged under 16 years
Aged 16–20 years
Aged 21 years or over*
Independent–partnered with dependent child
Aged under 16 years
Aged 16–20 years
Aged 21 years or over*
$506.70 pf
$377.00 pf
$377.00 pf
$417.70 pf
n
$493.90 pf
$493.90 pf
$500.70 pf
$413.90 pf
$413.90 pf
$417.70 pf
* These amounts are indexed every March and September.
n
School Term Allowance
$540.80 pa
School Fees Allowance (at home):
Turning 16 before 1 July in school year
$78.00 pa
Aged under 16 years at 30 June in
school year
$156.00 pa
School Fees Allowance (boarding):
Maximum rate (subject to income test)
$9221.00 pa
Income test-free
$6926.00 pa
Incidentals Allowance:
Less than 12 week course
$72.50 pa
12 to 16 week course $126.90 pa
17 to 23 week (one semester) course
$252.40 pa
24 week to one year course
$512.80 pa
Additional Incidentals Allowance
Essential course costs in excess of
less than 12 week course
$124.50 pa
12 to 16 week course $246.70 pa
17 to 23 week (one semester) course
$493.30 pa
24 week to one year course
$988.10 pa
Maximum in a year
$2080.00 pa
Lawful Custody Allowance
essential course costs
Aged under 16 years Boarding
Supplement
$2225.20 per semester
Residential Costs Option
$41.60 pf plus actual costs
Masters and Doctorate allowances:
Masters and Doctorate student
$22 500.00 pa
living allowance
$863.00 pf
Relocation Allowance
$1520.00 maximum
($530.00 adult; $260.00 child)
Thesis Allowance—one off payment
–Masters—actual cost, maximum payment
$420.00
–PhD—actual cost, maximum payment
$840.00
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Compulsory course fees or Student Contribution
Amounts (previously known as HECS)
actual costs
n Fares Allowance (students only)
actual costs
n Away from base assistance
actual costs
Maximum payment for Masters/PhD is $2080.00 per year.
n Remote Area Allowance (see page 28).
n Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid (see page 27).
n The Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) is also payable
under ABSTUDY (see page 18).
n Advance of ABSTUDY of up to $500 may be payable.
$377.00 pf
$377.00 pf
$206.30 pf
$206.30 pf
$248.10 pf
$462.80 pf
n
Student Start-up Scholarships
All full-time students in receipt of ABSTUDY Living
Allowance, who are undertaking a higher education or
preparatory course at a higher education institution
will receive the Student Start-up Scholarship, paid in a
maximum of two half-yearly instalments of $650 (a total
of $1300 in 2010).
Students already receiving a Commonwealth Education
Costs Scholarships (CECS) or Indigenous CECS are not
eligible to receive a Student Start-up Scholarship.
Relocation Scholarships
n Full-time dependent students in receipt of ABSTUDY Living
Allowance, who have to live away from home to undertake
a higher education or preparatory course at a higher
education institution will receive a Relocation Scholarship.
n The Relocation Scholarship is also available to independent
students in receipt of Living Allowance, who are
disadvantaged by personal circumstances and are unable to
live in the parental home.
n Students already receiving a Commonwealth
Accommodation Scholarship (CAS) or Indigenous CAS are
not eligible to receive the Relocation Scholarship.
n The Relocation Scholarship will provide $4000 to eligible
students in their first year of study and $1000 in each year
thereafter.
n The Relocation Scholarship is payable in addition to the
Student Start-up Scholarship.
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
n
Crisis Payment
See Crisis Payment (page 24).
Youth Disability Supplement
n Youth Disability Supplement of up to $106.70 per fortnight
is payable to ABSTUDY customers aged under 21 who have
been assessed as having a partial capacity to work.
n Youth Disability Supplement is added to the rate of
ABSTUDY and the rate payable cannot exceed the rate
payable to those aged over 21 on Newstart Allowance.
17
Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as an Australian resident (some exemptions
may apply).
n May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
from Australia (or longer in certain limited circumstances,
e.g. if travel is to study as part of your Australian course).
Means tests
Income test on Living Allowance and Rent Assistance.
The ‘at home’ rate of Schools Fees Allowance and the
School Term Allowance are payable to applicants eligible
for an income support payment, ABSTUDY Living Allowance,
CDEP wages or a Health Care Card.
Parental means tests do not apply to students in state care.
n
Personal Income Test—Income Bank
n Same as for Austudy Payment and the Youth Allowance
personal income test and Income Bank for full-time
students and Australian Apprentices. Applies to students
and Australian Apprentices aged 16 and over and
independent Australian Apprentices aged under 16.
Parental Income Test
n Same as for Youth Allowance except for some additional
circumstances where the parental income and assets tests
does not apply. Contact Centrelink for details.
n Applies to dependent students and Australian Apprentices.
Family Assets Test
n Same as for Youth Allowance. Applies to dependent
students and Australian Apprentices.
Family Actual Means Test
n Same as for Youth Allowance. Applies to dependent
students and Australian Apprentices.
Independent—Assets Test
n Same as for Youth Allowance and Austudy payment.
Independent—Partner Income Test
n For students and Australian Apprentices aged under 21—
same as for Youth Allowance.
n For students and Australian Apprentices aged 21 and over—
same as for Newstart Allowance except for 50 cents in the
dollar abatement of partner income over a single incomefree area of $789.50 per fortnight and adjustments to the
income-free area for dependent children.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Fares Allowance
Fares Allowance is payable to tertiary PES students who live
away from partner/child to study.
Reimbursement of the cost of cheapest practicable form of
public transport, regardless of transport actually used.
Income and assets test
No income or assets tests.
Assistance for Isolated Children
(AIC) Scheme
n
Pensioner Education Supplement (PES)
Basic conditions of eligibility
n Receipt of a Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations, Department of Families, Housing,
Community Services and Indigenous Affairs or Department
of Veterans’ Affairs income support payment because a
person has a disability, is a single parent, carer, widow
allowee or Widow B pensioner, or wife pensioner partnered
to a disability support pensioner.
n Studying an approved course at an approved
educational institution.
n Single principal carers and people with a partial
capacity to work who receive Newstart Allowance, Youth
Allowance or Parenting Payment (Partnered) may be eligible
for PES in certain circumstances.
n
Basic rates
$62.40 per fortnight for:
–approved students with at least a 50 per cent study
load, or
–approved students granted a 25 per cent workload
concession who undertake at least 25 per cent study
load and who are either Disability Support Pensioners or
Invalidity Service Pensioners, or
–approved students granted a 25 per cent workload
concession who undertake at least 25 per cent study load
with a War Widow(er) Pension receiving an invalidity
income support supplement.
$31.20 per fortnight for:
–approved students, other than those above, with at least
a 25 per cent study load.
n
n
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident.
18
Basic conditions of eligibility
Families of primary, secondary and certain tertiary students
who do not have reasonable daily access to an appropriate
state school can receive assistance:
–for students who must board away from home, in a
school, hostel or privately, or
–to maintain a second home so that a student can access
school daily, or
–for students who are enrolled in full-time studies in an
approved distance education course.
An appropriate state school is normally one that offers
tuition at the grade or year in which the student is
qualified to enrol (e.g. Year 11). Where the student has a
health-related condition (including a disability) or special
educational needs, the nearest appropriate state school is
the one which provides access to the facilities, programs,
and/or environment required to meet those needs.
Students must:
–normally have reached minimum school entry age and
be aged under 19 as at 1 January (certain pensioner
students may be eligible for AIC up to their 21st
birthday), and
– be undertaking approved studies at an approved institution.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Note: depending on parental income and other circumstances,
a student may receive a higher level of Australian Government
assistance if he/she is eligible for Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY,
or Pensioner Education Supplement.
Families receiving an AIC allowance for a student may
continue to receive Family Tax Benefit for the same student.
Family Tax Benefit cannot be paid for students aged 16 or
over receiving Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY.
Tertiary students must be either under the minimum age
that the state or territory requires them to participate in
education or training or under 16 years of age (whichever
is the greater).
Residence requirements
Student and claimant must be living permanently in
Australia and be:
–an Australian citizen, or
–an Australian permanent resident, or
–a New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand
passport (waiting periods may apply).
n
Assets test
No assets test.
Youth Allowance (YA)
Allowances and maximum rates
Boarding Allowance
Maximum rate of two components:
$9221.00 pa
–Basic (not income tested)
$6926.00 pa
–Additional (subject to parental income
and actual board costs)
$2295.00 pa
Second Home Allowance (limited to a maximum
of three students in a family)
$201.79 pf per student
Distance Education Allowance
$3463.00 pa
–A Distance Education Allowance Supplement is
payable (in one instalment) for students who
were eligible for the Distance Education
Allowance in 2009
$1061.00 pa
AIC Pensioner Education Supplement
$62.40 pf
For students aged under 21 who receive a Disability
Support Pension or Parenting Payment (Single) and who are
studying at primary level.
n
n
n
n
Rent Assistance
Not payable.
Income test
n No income test is applied to Basic Boarding Allowance,
Distance Education Allowance, Second Home Allowance or
the AIC Pensioner Education Supplement.
n Additional Boarding Allowance reduces by one dollar
for each five dollars of parental income over $44 165. If
parental income exceeds $55 608 once adjusted, only Basic
Boarding Allowance is payable.
Note: adjusted parental income includes the applicant and
his/her partner’s combined taxable income as adjusted by
deductions/add-backs for other dependent students and
younger children in the family; maintenance payments made
or received; negative gearing and certain fringe benefits. If
the student’s actual boarding charges are $6676 or less, only
Basic Boarding Allowance is payable. If the applicant or his/
her partner receives certain Australian Government income
support payments, or holds a current Health Care Card, this
test may be waived.
n Where the applicant is eligible for Additional Boarding
Allowance, payment is payable up to:
–the entitlement under the Parental Income Test, or
–the student’s boarding costs.
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Full-time students and Australian Apprentices aged 16–24,
or students who are temporarily incapacitated for full-time
study aged 21–24.
Students and Australian Apprentices aged 25 and over,
getting Youth Allowance immediately before turning 25
and remaining in the same course of study or Australian
Apprenticeship.
Job seekers, aged under 21, looking for work or combining
part-time study with job search, or undertaking any other
approved activity, or temporarily incapacitated for work
or study.
Young people under 21 years of age without a Year 12 or
equivalent qualification will usually need to:
– participate in education and training full-time; or
– participate full-time (that is, for at least 25 hours a week)
in part-time study or training, in combination with other
approved activities, until they complete Year 12 or an
equivalent Certificate Level II or above qualification.
Independent, aged 15 and above the school leaving age
in their state who are satisfying or exempt from the
activity test.
Residence requirements
n Must be an Australian resident.
n Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as an Australian resident (some exemptions
may apply).
n If exempt from activity test may be paid for up to 13
weeks for temporary absence from Australia in certain
limited circumstances. The length of your last return to
Australia may affect your entitlement during the absence
from Australia.
n May be paid for 13 weeks of temporary absence or longer
if the person has to travel to study or train as part of their
full-time Australian course or Australian Apprenticeship.
n
19
Basic rates
Single, no children:
–aged under 18, at home
–aged under 18, away from home
$206.30 pf
$377.00* pf
–aged 18 and over, away from home
$377.00* pf
–aged 18 and over, at home
$248.10 pf
n Single, with children
$493.90* pf
n Partnered, no children
$377.00* pf
n Partnered, with children
$413.90* pf
* Rent Assistance may be payable.
n Single, principal carer of a dependent child (granted an
exemption for foster caring/home schooling/distance
education/large family)
$601.30 pf
n Special rate for long-term income support customers or
migrants studying English aged 21 or over commencing
full-time study or Australian Apprenticeship.
–Single, living at home
$304.60 pf
–Single, living away from home
$457.90 pf
–Partnered, no children
$413.90 pf
n Young people not considered independent must be assessed
to get the away from home rate.
n Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid (page 27).
n Payment is generally made to a parent for those aged
under 18 who are not independent.
n Advance of Youth Allowance of up to $500 may be payable.
n Job seekers undertaking Work for the Dole (including
full-time Work for the Dole and Drought Force), Green
Corps activities and the Language, Literacy and Numeracy
Program may be eligible for an additional supplement of
$20.80 per fortnight.
n Job seekers undertaking National Green Jobs Corps
activities may be eligible for an additional supplement of
$41.60 per fortnight.
n
n
Merit and equity-based scholarships exempted from
means testing
Students in receipt of equity and merit-based scholarships
will have the first $6762 exempt from means testing. Any
scholarship income in excess of this amount will be subject to
means testing.
n
n
n
n
n
n
Fares allowance
Only paid to tertiary students who have to live away from
their permanent home for study.
Reimbursement of the cost of the cheapest practicable form
of public transport, regardless of transport actually used.
Not payable for daily travel.
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
Rent Assistance for single people without children may only
be paid to those who receive the away from home rate of
Youth Allowance.
Where both members of a couple without children are
getting an allowance or benefit, Rent Assistance is shared.
Youth Disability Supplement
Youth Disability Supplement of up to $106.70 per fortnight
is payable to Youth Allowance customers aged under 21
who have been assessed as having partial capacity to work.
n Youth Disability Supplement is added to the rate of Youth
Allowance and the rate payable cannot exceed the rate
payable to those over 21 on Newstart Allowance.
n
Parental income test
n If not independent, a parental income test applies.
n Rate reduces if parent’s income exceeds threshold of
$44 165.
n Rate reduces by 20 cents for every $1.00 over the
threshold.
n After applying parental income test, a personal income test
is applied.
n The rate payable will be the lowest of that produced by the
Family Actual Means Test (FAMT), parental income test or
the personal income test.
n The parental income and assets tests does not apply if the
parent(s) hold a current low-income Health Care Card or
they receive a designated income support payment through
either Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The Family Actual Means Test may still apply.
n In some circumstances (where parental income decreases/
increases substantially) parent(s)’ income in the current tax
year is used.
n The parental means test does not apply to Youth Allowance
(job seeker) assessed as having a partial capacity to work.
Student Start-up Scholarships
All full-time students in receipt of Youth Allowance, who are
undertaking a higher education or preparatory course at a
higher education institution will receive the Student Start-up
Scholarship, paid in a maximum of two half-yearly instalments
of $650 (a total of $1300 in 2010).
Students already receiving a Commonwealth Education Costs
Scholarships (CECS) or Indigenous CECS are not eligible to
receive a Student Start-up Scholarship.
Relocation Scholarships
n Full-time dependent students in receipt of Youth Allowance
who have to live away from home to undertake a higher
education or preparatory course at a higher education
institution will receive a Relocation Scholarship.
n The Relocation Scholarship is also available to independent
students who are disadvantaged by personal circumstances
and are unable to live in the parental home.
n Students already receiving a Commonwealth
Accommodation Scholarship (CAS) or Indigenous CAS are
not eligible to receive the Relocation Scholarship.
n The Relocation Scholarship will provide $4000 to eligible
students in their first year of study and $1000 in each year
thereafter.
n The Relocation Scholarship is payable in addition to the
Student Start-up Scholarship.
n
n
20
Personal income test
Gross income is assessed.
The first $6762 of a merit and equity based scholarship is
exempt from means-testing.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
There is an income-free area of $62 per fortnight for job
seekers and $236 per fortnight for students and Australian
Apprentices.
Income above the income-free area reduces payment
unless credit in Income Bank (for students and Australian
Apprentices—see following) or Working Credit (see page 30).
See Chart D(a) (page 30).
Newstart Allowance (NSA)
n
n
n
Income Bank
Allows Youth Allowance students to accumulate up
to $6000 of any unused portion of their fortnightly
income-free area.
Allows Youth Allowance Australian Apprentices to
accumulate up to $1000 of any unused portion of their
fortnightly income-free area.
Income Bank credits can be used to offset any income
earned that exceeds the fortnightly income-free area.
n
n
n
n
Assets test
If not independent, family assets test applies (no personal
assets test):
–no payment can be made if family’s assets exceed
$580 000
–a 75 per cent discount for farm/business assets applies to
the family assets test.
If independent:
–homeowners see Chart A (page 28)
–non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Payment may be deferred when liquid assets exceed $5500
(single) or $11 000 (couple or single with dependants).
Hardship provisions may apply to the personal assets test.
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Must be unemployed, or regarded as unemployed (this can
include some people who work).
Aged 21 or over but under age pension age.
Willing to undertake suitable paid employment.
Unless exempted, must participate in or be willing to
participate in approved activities and/or JobSearch.
Prepared to enter into, comply or vary an existing
Employment Pathway Plan to fulfil the activity test.
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident.
Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in Australia
as an Australian resident (some exemptions may apply).
If not required to look for work you may be paid for up to
13 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia in certain
limited circumstances.
Basic rates
n Single, no children
$462.80 pf
n Single, with dependent child(ren) $500.70 pf
n Single, aged 60 or over, after nine
continuous months on payment
$500.70 pf
n Partnered (each)
$417.70 pf
n Single, principal carer of a dependent child (granted an
exemption for foster caring/home schooling/distance
education/large family)
$601.30 pf
n Advance of allowance of up to $500 may be available.
n Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid (page 27).
n Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.
n Job seekers undertaking Work for the Dole (including
Full-Time Work for the Dole and Drought Force), Green
Corps activities and the Language, Literacy and Numeracy
Program may be eligible for an additional supplement of
$20.80 per fortnight.
n Job seekers undertaking National Green Jobs Corps
activities may be eligible for an additional supplement of
$41.60 per fortnight.
n Training Supplement of $41.60 per fortnight may be
payable for the duration of an approved course of study or
training commencing prior to 30 June 2011.
n If a couple is separated because of illness, they may each
be paid $500.70 per fortnight.
n One member of a couple may be paid $500.70 per fortnight
if the partner not receiving payment is imprisoned.
n Single principal carers of a dependent child aged under 16
and people assessed as having a partial capacity to work
may be eligible for a Pensioner Concession Card.
Family actual means test
Family actual means (i.e. family spending and savings)
in the 2008–09 tax year is used where you are not
independent and where one or both of your parents:
–had an interest in a trust, private company or unlisted
public company
–was self-employed (except as a sole trader engaged
wholly or mainly in primary production) or a partner
in a partnership
–earned in excess of A$2500 (including tax exempt
income) from a source in Norfolk Island or
outside Australia
–was a wage or salary earner who claimed or will claim
a tax deduction for a business loss (whether current or
carried forward) that does not consist only of a passive
investment loss in your partnership income tax returns
–had an interest in assets held in a country other than
Australia in excess of A$2500 or is a migrant who
first entered Australia under a business skills category
(business migrant) in the last 10 years.
In certain circumstances family actual means in the current
tax year may be used.
Where a family member receives Exceptional Circumstances
Relief Payment the Family Actual Means Test does
not apply.
21
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
Rent Assistance not available to single people aged
under 25, without dependants, who live with their parent
or guardian.
Where both members of a couple without children are
receiving an allowance or benefit, Rent Assistance is shared.
Widow Allowance (WA)
n
n
n
Income test
See Chart D (page 30).
A personal income test is applied.
n
n
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Payment may be deferred when liquid assets exceed $5500
(single) or $11 000 (couple or single with dependants).
Hardship provisions may apply.
n
n
n
Partner Allowance (PA)
n
No longer open to new entrants.
n
n
n
n
n
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Born on or before 1 July 1955.
Member of couple (partner must be on a qualifying
pension, allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY at time of Partner
Allowance claim).
No recent workforce experience (see Widow Allowance).
No dependent children.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident.
Available to new arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as Australian residents, or where the person has a
qualifying residence exemption.
Immediately eligible if the person has 10 years qualifying
Australian residence or if the woman was widowed,
divorced or separated from her partner while both her and
her partner were Australian residents.
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
from Australia or longer if the person has to travel to
study or train as part of their full-time Australian course or
Australian Apprenticeship.
Basic rates
n See Newstart Allowance (page 21).
n Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid (page 27).
n Pension Supplement (page 26) is paid if recipient has
reached age pension age.
n Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.
n Pensioner Education Supplement may be payable.
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident.
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
from Australia or longer if the person has to travel to
study or train as part of their full-time Australian course or
Australian Apprenticeship.
Basic rates
n Maximum rate
$417.70 pf
n Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable.
n Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid (page 27).
n Pension Supplement (page 26) is paid if recipient has reached
age pension age.
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Women born on or before 1 July 1955.
Not a member of a couple.
Widowed, divorced or separated (from an opposite-sex or
same-sex partner) since turning 40.
No recent workforce experience.
Recent workforce experience means work of at least 20
hours a week, for 13 weeks or more during last 12 months.
Required to attend a participation interview with a
Centrelink Officer annually.
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
n
Income test
See Chart D (page 30).
n
Rent Assistance
See Chart F (page 31).
Where both members of a couple without children are
receiving an allowance or benefit, Rent Assistance is shared.
n
n
Income test
See Chart D (page 30).
Partners of people receiving Special Benefit, see
Special Benefit (page 24).
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Hardship provisions may apply.
22
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
Hardship provisions may apply.
Income test for add-on assistance
Allowees
n Allowees claiming Rent Assistance must meet the same
income test as other income support recipients.
n Only CDEP wages over the amount that the person
would receive if they were receiving an income support
payment (the person’s threshold) are counted as ordinary
income. CDEP wages below that threshold are ignored.
The normal allowance income test is then applied, see
Chart D (page 30).
Pensioners
n CDEP income will reduce the pension by one dollar for
every dollar earned on CDEP up to a maximum threshold
of $462.80 for singles and $417.70 each for couples. CDEP
wages over this amount will be treated as ordinary income,
see Chart C (page 29). The threshold will generally be lower
for pensioners aged under 21.
CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS)
and Supplementary Benefits (Add-ons)
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Provides assistance to Community Development
Employment Project (CDEP) program participants.
Basic conditions of eligibility
Continuing CDEP participants (those on program at 30 June
2009) are paid wages from CDEP providers. They may also
receive some additional assistance from Centrelink (outlined
below), if they are:
– registered in the CDEPManager system
– receiving CDEP scheme wages, and
– qualified for a Centrelink income support payment.
New CDEP participants (those commencing the program
from 1 July 2009) are not eligible for the CDEP Participant
Supplement. Residence requirements
The residence qualifications are equivalent to those
applying to the primary payment for which the CDEP
participant is qualified.
n
Basic rates
CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS) $20.80 per fortnight.
Rent Assistance see Chart F (page 31).
Pharmaceutical Allowance, see relevant allowance or
pension type at page 27.
Pensioners on CDEP may also receive some remaining
pension after application of the CDEP dollar-for-dollar
income test, see below.
Income support recipients who are still entitled to a part
payment will continue to qualify for either a Pensioner
Concession Card or a Health Care Card.
CPS recipients may also get:
–automatic access to a Health Care Card or Pensioner
Concession Card if applicable, see Chart E (page 31), and
–Family Tax Benefit Part A free of income and
assets testing.
CPS recipients other than pensioners can choose to receive
their payment fortnightly or quarterly.
Remote Area Allowance is payable to pensioners only.
CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS) income test
CPS is payable if income is below:
–Single
$1053.00 pf
–Partnered
$967.00 pf
Total income of both partners must be under $1934.00
per fortnight.
Pensioners are eligible for the CPS while they retain some
pension. Where they have lost their last dollar of pension
then the CPS income test applies.
23
Assets test
Refer to relevant allowance or pension type.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Special Benefit (SpB)
Crisis Payment
Basic conditions of eligibility
In financial hardship and unable to earn a sufficient
livelihood for themselves and dependants due to reasons
beyond their control.
Not able to get any other income support payment.
For short-term payment available funds must not be
more than the applicable fortnightly Newstart or Youth
Allowance rate.
For long-term payment available funds must be no more
than $5000.
Basic conditions of eligibility
Must:
–be qualified for an income support pension or benefit or
ABSTUDY Living Allowance and the pension or benefit or
ABSTUDY Living Allowance must be payable, and
–be in severe financial hardship, and either:
–have left their home and be unable to return home
because of an extreme circumstance, such as domestic
violence and have established or intend to establish a
new home, or
–have remained in their home following domestic
violence and the family member responsible has left or
been removed from the home, or
–have served at least 14 days in prison or in psychiatric
confinement, or
–have entered Australia for the first time on a qualifying
humanitarian visa on or after 1 January 2008.
Must claim:
–within seven days after the extreme circumstance
occurred, or
–within seven days of the family member responsible
leaving or being removed from the home, or
–up to 21 days before or within seven days after release
from prison or psychiatric confinement, or
–within seven days of arrival in Australia.
n
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident, or
A holder of a temporary visa subclass 070, 309, 310, 447,
451, 695, 785, 786, 787, 820 or 826, or a holder of a
Criminal Justice Stay Visa issued specifically for the purpose
of assisting in the administration of criminal justice
in relation to the offence of people trafficking, sexual
servitude or deceptive recruiting.
Available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks
in Australia as an Australian resident, unless they have
experienced a substantial change in circumstances beyond
their control since making an irrevocable decision to come
to Australia (some other exemptions may apply).
May be paid for up to 13 weeks of a temporary absence
from Australia in certain limited circumstances.
n
Basic rates
n Generally as for Newstart Allowance (page 21) or Youth
Allowance (page 19).
n May be reduced if in receipt of free board and/or lodgings
or receiving other forms of support.
n Education Entry Payment of $208 may be payable (single
parents only).
n Pensioner Education Supplement may be payable (single
parents only).
n Pharmaceutical Allowance may be payable (See page 27).
n Pension Supplement (see page 26) is paid if recipient has
reached age pension age.
n
Rent Assistance
Generally as for Newstart Allowance, Sickness Allowance or
Youth Allowance depending on circumstances.
n
Income test
No income-free area, benefit reduced by one dollar for
each one dollar of income.
n
Assets test
Homeowners see Chart A (page 28).
Non-homeowners see Chart B (page 28).
n
24
n
Residence requirements
Must be an Australian resident or the holder of a specified
subclass of visa and in Australia at the time the extreme
circumstance or domestic violence occurs.
n
Basic rates
A one-off payment, equal to one week’s payment (without
add ons) of the person’s pension, benefit or allowance.
Wife Pension (DSP) customers
n Retain their PCC for 52 weeks after losing qualification
for payment if their partner has been receiving DSP, and
their partner loses qualification for the pension due to
commencing employment of 30 hours or more per week,
or because their partner’s income from employment causes
them to lose qualification for DSP.
Older benefit customers (as defined earlier)
n Retain their PCC for a further 26 weeks if their payment
stops due to the person or their partner commencing
employment, or due to the level of earnings from this
employment.
Parenting Payment (Single) customers
n Retain their PCC for 12 weeks after losing entitlement to
Parenting Payment (Single) due to an increase in income
due to employment. A Health Care Card is issued for the
balance of 26 weeks, that is a further 14 weeks provided
the customer has been in continuous receipt for the last
12 months of either:
–an income support pension (except for a Special Needs
Pension), or
–an income support benefit (other than Austudy or Youth
Allowance paid to students).
Newstart and Youth Allowance (job seeker)
n Retain their PCC for 52 weeks after losing qualification
due to employment income, if they have been assessed as
having a partial capacity to work, or
n Retain their PCC under the same provisions as Parenting
Payment (Single) customers (see above), if they are the
single principal carer of a dependent child.
A PCC extension is also available, under certain circumstances,
to people under age pension age who remain qualified for
certain payments during a nil rate period under the Working
Credit Scheme.
Concession Cards, Supplements
and Allowances
Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)
A PCC is automatically issued to:
n All income support pensioners, which includes: Age Pension,
Disability Support Pension, Wife Pension, Carer Payment,
Parenting Payment (Single), Bereavement Allowance and
Widow B Pension.
n Department of Veterans’ Affairs service pensioners and war
widows receiving an income support supplement.
n Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment (Partnered) and
Youth Allowance (job seeker) customers assessed as having
a partial capacity to work or who are a single principal
carer of a dependent child.
n Older benefit customers, that is:
–customers aged 60 and over who are receiving Newstart
Allowance, Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance,
Parenting Payment (Partnered), Sickness Allowance, or
Special Benefit, and have been in continuous receipt
of one or more of the above payments (or an income
support pension) for nine months or more.
n Participants of the Pension Loans Scheme who are qualified
to receive a part-rate pension.
n Community Development Employment Project (CDEP)
participants who are qualified for an income support
pension but that payment is not payable due to the result
of either the assets test or the rules relating to seasonal
or intermittent workers, and who therefore qualify for the
CDEP Scheme Participant Supplement (CPS).
n CDEP participants who are qualified for Newstart Allowance,
Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance, Parenting Payment
(Partnered), Youth Allowance or Special Benefit, but where
that payment is not payable due to the result of either
the asset test or rules relating to seasonal or intermittent
workers, and who therefore qualify for the CDEP CPS. Note
that these customers must be aged 60 years or over, and
have been in continuous receipt, or have been taken to be in
continuous receipt of one or more of the above payments (or
an income support pension) for nine months or more.
Once customers are no longer qualified for these payments,
they must generally stop using their PCC. However, in some
circumstances, certain customers can retain their PCC for
a short period after returning to work. These provisions are
designed to assist customers to make the transition from
income support to work.
Disability Support Pensioners (DSP)
n Retain their PCC for 52 weeks after losing qualification for
the pension due to commencing employment of 15 hours
or more per week or because of the level of earnings from
employment.
Automatic issue Health Care Card (HCC)
The HCC is automatically issued to people who are not
qualified for a Pensioner Concession Card who are receiving:
n Newstart Allowance, Partner Allowance, Sickness Allowance,
Special Benefit, Widow Allowance and Youth Allowance
(job seeker only)
n Parenting Payment (Partnered), Exceptional Circumstances
Relief Payment, Farm Help Income Support and those
entitled to receive the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit
Part A by fortnightly instalments.
n Mobility Allowance.
n Carer Allowance (CA), paid to parents/carers in respect of a
child with a disability. The card is issued in the child’s name.
Other parents/carers of children with a disability who do
not receive CA may receive a HCC subject to less stringent
disability-related eligibility criteria.
25
n
Community Development Employment Project Scheme
Participant Supplement where the recipient is qualified for
an income support payment (attracting a HCC), but that
payment is not payable due to either the assets test, or the
rules relating to seasonal or intermittent workers. These
customers receive the HCC applicable to the payment type
for which they are qualified.
Once people are no longer receiving these payments, they
must generally stop using their HCC. However, in some
instances, people can retain their HCC for up to 26 weeks
after returning to work. This provision is designed to assist
people to make the transition from income support to work.
The provision applies to long-term recipients of NSA, SA, PA,
SpB, WA, and YA (job seeker). Former long-term recipients of
PPS, NSA and YA (job seeker) who are a single principal carer
of a dependent child also qualify for a HCC extension (in
addition to a 12-week PCC extension).
A HCC extension is also available, under certain circumstances,
to people who remain qualified for certain payments during a
nil rate period under the Working Credit scheme.
Pension Supplement
n A Pension Supplement is added to the regular fortnightly
payment made to recipients of Age Pension, Carer Payment,
Wife Pension, Widow B Pension, Bereavement Allowance,
Disability Support Pension (except if aged under 21 without
children) and to certain other income support payment
recipients if the person has reached age pension age.
n The maximum Pension Supplement combined the value
of Telephone Allowance, Utilities Allowance, the GST
Supplement and Pharmaceutical Allowance and an
additional amount into a single payment. The maximum
Pension Supplement is currently $56.90 a fortnight for
singles and $85.80 a fortnight for couples, combined.
n The minimum Pension Supplement is an amount below
which the Pension Supplement does not fall until income
or assets reach a level that would otherwise reduce a total
pension including Pension Supplement to nil. The minimum
amount is currently $30.60 a fortnight for singles, and
$46.20 for couples combined.
n A Pension Supplement basic amount (former GST
Supplement) is paid to recipients of Parenting Payment
(Single) under age pension age and to those eligible for
Pension Supplement who are absent from Australia for
more than 13 weeks. Pension Supplement above the basic
amount can only be paid to those pensioners who live in
Australia. The basic amount is currently $19.90 a fortnight
for singles and $33.20 for couples, combined.
Claim required Health Care Card (HCC)
Specific types of HCCs can be claimed in the following
circumstances:
n A low income HCC is available on application to people
with income below certain levels. Once eligible, the
qualifying income limits may be exceeded by up to 25 per
cent before eligibility for the card is lost. The income test
applies to average weekly gross income for the eight weeks
immediately prior to applying for the card. Income limits
for the period 20 March 2010 to 19 September 2010 are:
–single
$459.00 pw
–couple (combined)
$764.00 pw
–single or couple with one child
$798.00 pw
–for each additional child add
$34.00 pw
These limits (except for the child add-on) are indexed twice
yearly, in March and September, based on movements in the
Consumer Price Index.
There is no assets test for the low-income HCC.
n A foster child HCC is available, on application, to assist
foster children and carers. The card can be claimed by the
foster carer on behalf of the child. The foster child HCC is
issued only in the name of the child, and can only be used
to obtain concessions on services utilised by the child. The
foster child HCC is not means tested.
n An ex-Carer Allowance (CA) HCC is available, on
application, to 16-25 year old full-time students with a
disability or a severe medical condition. The card can be
claimed by students who were in receipt of a CA HCC on
the day before their 16th birthday. The ex-CA HCC is issued
in the name of the student and is not means tested.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)
The CSHC is targeted at self-funded retirees of age pension
age (see chart under Age Pension) who do not qualify for an
Age Pension because of assets or income levels.
To qualify for a CSHC a person must make a claim for the
card, and meet the following criteria:
n not be receiving an income support pension or benefit or a
Department of Veterans’ Affairs service pension or income
support supplement, and
n be of age pension age, and
n be living permanently in Australia and be:
–an Australian citizen, or
–a holder of a permanent visa, or
– New Zealand citizen who arrived on a New Zealand passport.
n available to newly arrived migrants after 104 weeks in
Australia as an Australian resident or Special Category Visa
holder (some exemptions may apply).
n must be in Australia to retain card, or temporarily absent
for not more than 13 weeks.
n have an annual adjusted income of less than $50 000
for singles; $80 000 for couples (combined income); and
$100 000 combined for couples separated by illness,
respite care or prison. An amount of $639.60 per year is
added for each dependent child. There is no assets test.
Residence requirements
n Certain residence requirements must be met to qualify for
any type of HCC.
26
Seniors Supplement
Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) and Telephone Allowance
(TAL) for holders of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
(CSHC) were combined into a Seniors Supplement. The last
quarterly payments of SCA and TAL for CSHC holders were
made soon after 20 September 2009. The rate of Seniors
Supplement is $795.60 a year for single cardholders and
$600.60 a year for a cardholder who is partnered. The Seniors
Supplement is paid quarterly in December, March, June, and
September.
Pharmaceutical Allowance (PhA)
Rate: $6.00 per fortnight for eligible single person, and $3.00
per fortnight for each eligible member of a couple (i.e. $6.00
in total if both members of a couple are eligible). However,
where a person is a member of an illness separated couple or
a respite care couple or where a partner is in prison, the rate
is $6.00 per fortnight (i.e. same as for a single person).
Payment
Conditions under which PhA is paid
Automatically paid to those under
Disability Support Pension
21 years of age without children
Automatically paid if under age
Parenting Payment (Single)
pension age.
Sickness Allowance
Automatically paid
Customers must be temporarily
incapacitated, or have a partial
capacity to work, or be a single
Newstart Allowance
principal carer of a dependent child,
or be over 60 years of age and have
been in receipt of income support
continuously for at least nine months.
Customers must be either temporarily
Partner Allowance
incapacitated, or be over 60 years or
Widow Allowance
more (but under age pension age) and
have been in receipt of income support
Special Benefit*
continuously for at least nine months.
*Note: Special Benefit customers are NOT required to be Australian
residents in order to be paid PhA.
Customers must be either temporarily
incapacitated, or be over 60 years or
Austudy
more (but under age pension age) and
have been in receipt of income support
continuously for at least nine months.
Customers must be either temporarily
incapacitated, or be over 60 years of
ABSTUDY
age (but under age pension age) and
have been in receipt of income support
continuously for at least nine months.
Customer must be over 60 years
of age and have been in receipt
Parenting Payment
of income support continuously
(Partnered) if under age
for nine months, or have a partial
capacity to work or be unable to meet
pension age.
participation requirements due to a
temporary incapacity.
Must be either temporarily
Youth Allowance
incapacitated or a single principal
carer of a dependent child or have a
(job seeker)
partial capacity to work.
Youth Allowance (full-time
students and Australian
Must be temporarily incapacitated.
Apprentices)
Community Development
As per relevant payment type.
Employment Project (CDEP)
Telephone Allowance (TAL)
Telephone Allowance (TAL) is a quarterly payment to assist
with the cost of maintaining a telephone service—it is not
paid to assist with the cost of telephone calls.
TAL is paid to telephone subscribers who receive the Disability
Support Pension and who are aged under 21 years without
children and to Parenting Payment (Single) recipients who
are under age pension age. TAL is also paid to telephone
subscribers who receive certain social security allowance
payments and are in specific circumstances.
A higher rate of TAL is payable to recipients of Disability
Support Pension who are aged under 21 years without children
if they or their partner also have a home internet connection.
The current rate of TAL is $93.60 per year ($23.40 per quarter).
The higher rate of TAL is $140.80 per year ($35.20 per quarter)
for home internet subscribers. This amount is shared between
both members of an eligible couple. The payment is made in
January, March, July and September each year.
For most pensioners and other income support recipients who
have reached age pension age, the value of TAL has been
either added into the Pension Supplement (page 26) or forms
part of the rate paid under transitional arrangements. The last
quarterly payment of TAL for these recipients was made soon
after 20 September 2009.
Utilities Allowance (UA)
Utilities Allowance (UA) is a quarterly payment to recipients
of Widow Allowance and Partner Allowance who are under
age pension age, and to Disability Support Pension recipients
who are aged under 21 years without children to assist with
meeting the cost of utilities bills. The payment is made in
March, June, September and December each year and is
adjusted to increases in the Consumer Price Index in March
and September. The current annual rate is $530.00 for singles
and $265.00 for each eligible member of a couple.
For most pensioners and other income support recipients
who have reached age pension age, the value of UA has been
either added into the Pension Supplement (page 26) or forms
part of the rate paid under transitional arrangements. The last
quarterly payment of UA for these recipients was made soon
after 20 September 2009.
Note: PhA is subject to portability provisions where relevant.
For most pensioners and other income support recipients who
have reached age pension age, the value of PhA has either
been incorporated into the Pension Supplement or forms part
of the rate paid under transitional arrangements.
27
Assets test DSP Under 21—Homeowners
Family situation
For full pension/
allowance*
Remote Area Allowance (RAA)
n
n
n
n
Basic conditions of eligibility
Tax-free allowance for pensioners/allowees/beneficiaries.
Income Zone Tax Offset (formerly Zone Rebate) will be
reduced by the amount of the allowance paid.
n
n
Rent Assistance
Not payable.
n
Income test
No income test.
n
Assets test
No assets test.
n
i) DSP Under 21 Single—not independent
Single
up to $181 750
less than $649 250
Couple (combined)
up to $258 000
less than $963 000
Illness separated
(couple combined)
up to $258 000 less than $1 193 000
One partner eligible
(combined assets)
up to $258 000
less than $963 000
For full pension/
allowance*
For part pension#
Single
$181 750
less than $604 750
Couple (combined)
$258 000
less than $941 500
Illness separated
(couple combined)
$258 000 less than $1 104 000
One partner eligible
(combined assets)
$258 000
Transitional Homeowner
Family situation
less than $394 500
$181 750
less than $422 500
less than $508 250
iii) DSP Under 21—Couple (combined)
$258 000
Chart B
Assets test for Non-homeowners
Family situation
For full pension/
allowance*
less than $907 000
For part pension#
Single
up to $313 250
Couple (combined)
up to $389 500 less than $1 094 500
Illness separated
(couple combined)
up to $389 500 less than $1 324 500
One partner eligible
(combined assets)
up to $389 500 less than $1 094 500
less than $780 750
Transitional Non-homeowner
Family situation
For full pension/
allowance*
For part pension#
Single
$313 250
less than $736 250
Couple (combined)
$389 500 less than $1 073 000
Illness separated
(couple combined)
$389 500 less than $1 235 500
One partner eligible
(combined assets)
$389 500 less than $1 073 000
Assets test DSP Under 21—Non-homeowners
Family situation
For full pension/
allowance*
Chart A
For part pension#
$181 750
18–20 years
$181 750
Chart A and B–Assets test for pensions
or allowances and Austudy
Assets test for Homeowners
Family situation
For full pension/
allowance*
16–17 years
ii) DSP Under 21 Single—independent
Residence requirements
Resident of Ordinary Tax Zone A, or
–Special Tax Zone A (with certain exceptions), or
–Special Tax Zone B.
Can be paid for the first eight weeks of a temporary
absence from Australia.
Basic rates
Single: $18.20 per fortnight.
Couple: $15.60 per fortnight each.
Plus $7.30 per fortnight for each dependant.
n
For part pension#
For part pension#
i) DSP Under 21 Single—not independent
16–17 years
$313 250
less than $526 000
18–20 years
$313 250
less than $554 000
ii) DSP Under 21 Single—independent
$313 250
less than $639 750
iii) DSP Under 21—Couple (combined)
$389 500 less than $1 038 500
Some assets are deemed to earn income, while certain assets are not
included in the assets test. Contact Centrelink for more information.
Note: the rate of payment is calculated under both the
income and assets tests. The test that results in the lower rate
(or nil rate) will apply.
#Limits will increase if Rent Assistance is paid with your pension.
*Assets over these amounts reduce pension by $1.50 per
fortnight for every $1000 above the amount (single and
couple combined).
NSA/WA/PA/SA/SpB/Parenting Payment/YA and Austudy not
payable if assets exceed these amounts.
Asset and Income limits for Transitional Rate and saved case
customers apply to customers who are resident in Australia, or
are not absent for more than 13 weeks only. For other cases,
contact Centrelink for more information.
less than $941 500
28
*Income over these amounts reduces the rate of pension
payable by 50 cents in the dollar (single), 25 cents in the
dollar each (for couples). For transitional or saved cases
income over these amounts reduces the rate of pension
payable by 40 cents in the dollar (single), 20 cents in the
dollar each (for couples).
Pensioners receiving payments at 19 September 2009 may
be paid under ‘transitional arrangements’ or saved status
(page 10).
#These figures may be higher if Rent Assistance is paid with
your pension.
Some assets are deemed to earn income, while there are
special rules for other types of income. Contact Centrelink for
more information.
Employment income is subject to a Work Bonus for eligible
pensioners over age pension age.
Extra Allowable Amount for retirement village
and granny flat residents
If your Entry Contribution is equal to or less than the Extra
Allowable Amount at the time of entry, you are assessed
as a non-homeowner. Your Entry Contribution will count
as an asset. You may qualify for Rent Assistance. The Extra
Allowable Amount is the difference between the nonhomeowner and homeowner assets test limits, currently
$131 500.
Hardship provisions
If you have assets but little or no income you are expected to
rearrange your affairs to provide for yourself. In some cases
that is not possible. If you are in ‘severe financial hardship’
you may be able to get an income support payment. Different
tests apply to such cases.
Chart C–Income test for pensions
Work Bonus
Basic conditions of eligibility
n The Work Bonus is a concession on the income test
treatment of employment income for pensioners over age
pension age, except Parenting Payment (Single).
n The Work Bonus is used to reduce assessable employment
income in an instalment period. An instalment period is a
period of a maximum of 14 days.
n Half of the first $500 of fortnightly employment income
will be disregarded from the income test for pensioners
over age pension age. This is in addition to the normal
allowable income threshold.
n All pensioners over age pension age, other than recipients of
Parenting Payment (Single), are eligible for the Work Bonus.
If they are eligible for a transitional rate, Centrelink will
compare the transitional rate (which has no Work Bonus)
to the new rate (which does include the Work Bonus). The
transitional rate is paid where it pays a higher rate.
n No registration process, however pensioners must keep
Centrelink up to date with their employment income.
(a) Income test for pensions†
Family situation
For full pension (pf)*
For part pension (pf)#
Single
up to $146.00
less than $1548.20
Couple (combined)
up to $256.00
less than $2370.00
Illness separated
(couple combined)
up to $256.00
less than $3060.40
(b) Income test for DSP under 21, no children
Family situation
For full pension (pf)*
For part pension (pf)
16–17 years
up to $146.00
less than $784.00
18–20 years
up to $146.00
less than $867.60
16–20 years independent
up to $146.00
less than $1125.40
(c) Income Test for Pensioners—Transitional Rules
The notional maximum pension for transitional rate pensioners is
$634.30 per fortnight for a single pensioner and $1024.60 per fortnight
combined for pensioner couples. This rate excludes rent assistance.
Family situation
For full pension (pf)*
For part pension (pf)#
Single
up to $146.00
less than $1731.75
Couple (combined)
up to $256.00
less than $2817.50
Illness separated
(couple combined)
up to $256.00*
less than $3427.50*
Compensation payment
Compensation payments, such as weekly workers’
compensation payments, are assessed differently. If the
compensable injury occurred prior to receiving an income
support payment each dollar of any regular compensation
payment reduces the income support payment (pension or
allowance) by a dollar. If the compensable injury occurred
while receiving an income support payment any regular
compensation payment is assessed under the normal income
test. Compensation payments may include a component of
taxable income and it is this component that is included
as income for Family Tax Benefit purposes. Lump sum
compensation payments may result in a non-payment period.
Contact Centrelink for more information.
*Allowable income is increased by up to $24.60 pf for each
dependant child.
(d) DSP Under 21 Single—no children—Saved Status
Saved status: With affecting income as at 19 September 2009
Family situation
For full pension (pf)*
For part pension (pf)#
16–17 years
up to $146.00
less than $943.50
18–20 years
up to $146.00
less than $1048.00
16–20 years independent
up to $146.00
less than $1370.25
Couple (combined)
up to $256.00
less than $2689.50
Note: the rate of payment is calculated under both the
income and assets tests. The test that results in the lower rate
(or nil rate) will apply.
†This income test does not apply to recipients of Parenting
Payment Single. See Parenting Payment (page 7).
29
Chart D(a)–Personal Income test for
Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY
Chart D–Income Test for NSA, WA,
PA, SA
Income test
Family Situation
For full
Allowance (pf)*
Single, aged under 18, at home
Students and Australian
Apprentices
Job seekers
Single, aged 18 or over, at home
Students and Australian
Apprentices
Job seekers
Single or partnered, no dependants,
away from home
Students and Australian
Apprentices
Job seekers
Partnered, with dependants
Students and Australian
Apprentices
Job seekers
Single, with dependants
Students and Australian
Apprentices
Job seekers
Single, long-term unemployed
aged 21 or over, undertaking
full-time study or Australian
Apprenticeship, at home
Single, long-term unemployed
aged 21 or over undertaking
full-time study or Australian
Apprenticeship, away from
home
Partnered, long-term
unemployed, no dependants,
aged 21 or over undertaking
full-time study or Australian
Apprenticeship, no children
Income test
For part
Allowance (pf)
For full
Allowance (pf)*
For part
Allowance (pf)**
Single no children
up to $62
less than $864.67
Single, aged 60 or over after
nine months continuous
months on payment
up to $62
less than $927.84
Family Situation
up to $236
less than $593.17
up to $62
less than $437.17
up to $236
less than $662.84
Single, with
dependent child(ren)
up to $62
less than $927.84
less than $506.84
Partnered (each)
up to $62
less than $789.50
Single, principal carer of a
dependent child (granted an
exemption for foster caring/
home schooling/distance
education/large family)
up to $62
less than $1095.50
up to $62
up to $236 less than $877.67#
up to $62 less than $721.67#
*Fortnightly income between $62 and $250 reduces
fortnightly allowance by 50 cents in the dollar.
For income above $250 per fortnight, fortnightly allowance
reduces by 60 cents in the dollar.
Partner income which exceeds cut-out point reduces
fortnightly allowance by 60 cents in the dollar.
**These figures may be higher if you are eligible for
Pharmaceutical Allowance or Rent Assistance.
up to $236 less than $939.17#
up to $62 less than $783.17#
up to $236 less than $1072.50#
up to $62 less than $916.50#
up to $236
Working Credit
Working Credit helps working age people to keep more of
their income support payment when they take up work. When
people have little or no income, they will build up ‘working
credits’. Then if they do work, their working credits increase
the amount they can earn before their income support
payment is reduced. For example, someone with 150 working
credits is able to earn an extra $150 above the income-free
area before their payment starts to reduce.
It also helps people who take up short-term jobs by making
it easier for them to get their payments restarted (for up to
12 weeks). This means that people don't have to reapply for
payments, they just need to prove that their job has ended,
or that their income has dropped, and Centrelink will restart
their payments.
less than $757.00
up to $236 less than $1012.50#
up to $236 less than $939.17#
*For job seekers, fortnightly income between $62 and
$250 reduces fortnightly allowance by 50 cents in the dollar.
Income above $250 reduces payment by 60 cents
in the dollar.
For students and Australian Apprentices, fortnightly income
between $236 and $316 reduces the fortnightly allowance by
50 cents in the dollar. Income above $316 reduces payment by
60 cents in the dollar. For students and Australian Apprentices
the income test is subject to Income Bank credit.
Partner income which exceeds the cut-off point reduces
fortnightly allowance by 60 cents in the dollar.
#These figures may be higher if you are eligible for Rent
Assistance or Pharmaceutical Allowance.
Note: for ABSTUDY recipients aged 21 years and over the
rate of entitlement is aligned with Newstart. Please
contact ABSTUDY on 13 2317 to ascertain the effect of
personal income.
Maintenance income
Maintenance income does not affect payments other
than Family Tax Benefit and parentally means-tested
Youth Allowance.#
n Maintenance income-free areas:
–single parent or member of a couple
receiving maintenance
$1368.75 pa
–couple, both receiving maintenance
$2737.50 pa
–for each additional child add
$456.25 pa
n Maintenance over these amounts may reduce Family Tax
Benefit Part A by 50 cents in the dollar, until the minimum
amount of Family Tax Benefit per child is reached.
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Pensioners who are blind are exempt from the maintenance
income test.
#Applies only if eligible to receive more than the
minimum rate.
Rent Assistance for families with children is usually
paid with Family Tax Benefit. See Family Tax Benefit for
current rates.
n Rent Assistance is not paid:
–to people paying rent to a government housing authority,
although in some situations sub-tenants may qualify for
Rent Assistance
–for residents of Australian Government funded nursing
homes and hostels
–to single Disability Support Pensioners aged under 21,
without dependants, living with parents
–to other single people aged under 25, living with parents.
n Special rules apply to single sharers, people who pay board
and lodging or live in a retirement village.
n Rent Certificates are required to verify rent where
a customer does not have a formal written tenancy
agreement or is not named as a tenant on a formal written
tenancy agreement.
n Rent Assistance is paid as part of another payment. It may
be reduced due to the income test rules applying to that
primary payment.
n Rent Assistance is subject to portability provisions
where relevant.
n
n
Chart E–Taxable/Non-Taxable
n
Taxable
Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (for people of age
pension age), Widow B Pension, Carer Payment (if carer or
person being cared for is of age pension age), Wife Pension
(if wife or husband of age pension age), Parenting Payment,
Bereavement Allowance, Newstart Allowance, Widow
Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Special Benefit, Youth
Allowance, Partner Allowance, Austudy payment, ABSTUDY
Living Allowance, Pension Supplement Basic Amount, and
Education Entry Payment.
Non-taxable
Disability Support Pension (if under age pension age),
Wife Pension (if both spouses are under age pension
age), Carer Payment (if carer and person being cared
for are both under age pension age), Family Tax Benefit
Part A (including Rent Assistance, Multiple Birth
Allowance), Family Tax Benefit Part B, Carer Allowance,
Youth Disability Supplement, Student Financial Supplement
Scheme, Fares Allowance, Double Orphan Pension, Mobility
Allowance, Pharmaceutical Allowance, Remote Area
Allowance (offsets the Zone Tax Rebate), Rent Assistance,
Telephone Allowance, Utilities Allowance, Seniors
Supplement, Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme
allowances, Pensioner Education Supplement, ABSTUDY
supplementary benefits, Baby Bonus, Pension Bonus
Scheme, Pension Loans Scheme, Large Family Supplement,
Maternity Immunisation Allowance, Child Care Benefit,
Crisis Payment, and tax-exempt Pension Supplement.
Note: the tax treatment of payments made during a
bereavement period may differ due to special rules that apply.
n
Chart F–Rent Assistance
Family Situation
Maximum No payment
payment per
if your
fortnight fortnightly
rent is less
than
Maximum
payment if your
fortnightly rent is
more than
Single, no children
$113.40
$100.80
$252.00
Single, no children,
sharer
$75.60
$100.80
$201.60
Couple, no children
$107.00
$164.40
$307.07
One of a couple who are
separated due to illness,
no children*
$113.40
$100.80
$252.00
One of a couple who are
temporarily separated,
no children
$107.00
$100.80
$243.47
*Includes respite care and partner in prison.
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Phone self service—provides you with a convenient way to do
some of your Centrelink business.
Call 13 6240—to access a range of phone services
Call 13 3276 (13 EARN)—to report fortnightly employment
income (if eligible)
For more information about reporting requirements visit
www.centrelink.gov.au
Centrelink Online Letters—gives you the choice to view some
letters from Centrelink online rather than having them sent to
your postal address.
Centrelink SMS or Email Reminders—is a free personalised
reminder service that sends a text message or email to remind
you about appointments and lodgement dates.
Calling Centrelink
Employment Services 13 2850
Youth Allowance
13 2490
Austudy
13 2490
ABSTUDY
13 2317
Australian Apprentices
13 3633
Pensioner Education Supplement (PES)
13 2490
Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme
13 2318
Seniors
13 2300
Disability, Sickness and Carers
13 2717
Online Service Helpdesk
13 2307
Family Assistance Office
13 6150
Indigenous Call Centre
13 6380
To speak to Centrelink in languages other than English 13 1202
For information about claiming a payment from a
country other than Australia and about claiming an
Australian payment while outside Australia
13 1673
Calling from outside Australia
(you can reverse charge)
+61 3 6222 3455
Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line 13 1524
or through the internet at www.centrelink.gov.au
Customer Relations
Freecall™ 1800 050 004
Suggestions, complaints and compliments
TTY Enquiries
Freecall™ 1800 810 586
Only for people who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech
impairment. A TTY phone is required to use this service.
TTY Customer Relations Freecall™ 1800 000 567
Only for people who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech
impairment. A TTY phone is required to use this service.
Information on payment rates is also available on the
Centrelink website at www.centrelink.gov.au
Definition of a partner
For Centrelink and Family Assistance Office purposes a person
is considered to be your partner if you and the person are
living together, or usually live together, and are:
– married, or
– in a registered relationship (opposite or same-sex), or
– in a de facto relationship (opposite or same-sex).
Centrelink considers a person to be in a de facto relationship
from the time they commence living with another person as a
member of a couple. From 1 July 2009 Centrelink recognises
all couples, opposite-sex and same-sex.
This publication has been prepared by Centrelink to give you information
about payments and services it delivers on behalf of the Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and
the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
Disclaimer
The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to
payments available.
What are your responsibilities?
• It is your responsibility to decide if you wish to apply for a payment and
to make the application, having regard to your particular circumstances.
• The information is accurate as at 1 July 2010, but may of course
change. If you use this publication after that date, please check with
Centrelink that the details are up to date.
Calls from your home phone to Centrelink ‘13’ numbers from anywhere in
Australia are charged at a fixed rate. That rate may vary from the price of a
local call and may also vary between telephone service providers. Calls to ‘1800’
numbers from your home phone are free. Calls from public and mobile phones
may be timed and charged at a higher rate.
From what date are benefits payable?
Most government payments are paid from, or after, the date on which the
application is made. So the sooner you lodge your application the quicker
you may be paid.
Centrelink self service
What is the position if you deal with a third party?
You may deal with a third party who is not a member of Centrelink’s
staff. If you do so, please remember that Centrelink has not authorised
any third parties to provide information or advice to you about payments.
If you think a decision about your payment is incorrect, you can contact
Centrelink and ask for the decision to be reconsidered.
Centrelink self service is a quick and convenient way to report,
update or view your personal details without having to visit
a Centrelink Customer Service Centre. If you want to use
Centrelink self service, the first thing you will need to do is
register. You can register online, over the phone or in person
at a local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
Online Services—are secure, convenient and protect your
privacy. Some of the options that make it easier for you to do
business with us:
n apply for Age Pension
n apply for an Advance Payment
n print an Income Statement
n check when you’ll be paid by Centrelink.
CO029.1007
If you are not satisfied with the service you received from Centrelink you
can talk to our Customer Relations staff on Freecall™ 1800 050 004.
If you are still not satisfied, you can contact the Commonwealth
Ombudsman whose local number is listed in your phone book.
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